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Let's Talk cannabis
picture of cannabis flowers with text across image that reads: What's legal?

What's Legal for Adult Use? 

  • Under California law, adults 21 or older can use, carry, and grow cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot).
  • Buying cannabis (without a current physician’s recommendation or a county-issued medical marijuana identification card) will become legal for adults 21 or older January 1, 2018.
  • Use of medicinal cannabis is legal if you have a current physician’s recommendation or a valid county-issued medical marijuana identification card.
  • To buy medicinal cannabis, you must be 18 or older and have either have current physician’s recommendation, a valid county-issued medical marijuana identification card, or be a Primary Caregiver as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7(d).
  • You can consume cannabis on private property but you cannot consume, smoke, eat, or vape cannabis in public places.  Property owners and landlords may ban the use and possession of cannabis on their properties.
  • Even though it is legal under California law, you cannot consume or possess cannabis on federal lands like national parks, even if the park is in California.
  • It is illegal to take your cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another state where cannabis is legal. 

The new law, known as the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, includes information about where you can use cannabis, how much you can possess, and the penalties for illegal use. Check out the resources below to find out more.

 

Cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act, and its purchase, possession, distribution, or use within California may be unlawful under federal law. While it is our intention to provide current information, this fact sheet is not for the purpose of providing legal advice and can become outdated. Contact your attorney if you have questions about cannabis, what is (or is not) legal under state or federal law or need legal advice. 

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