Marijuana Laws In California
Since the “war on drugs” of the 1970s, popularized and enforced by then US President Richard Nixon, the legalization and criminalization of drugs has been a complex and controversial issue across all US states. One contentious substance has been marijuana. Over time, California has made regulations legalizing very specific uses of the drug. First, medical marijuana became legal in 1996, followed by recreational use in November of 2016. Understanding your rights is paramount when it comes to marijuana use and the following will attempt to provide the general guidelines present under California law.
Current Laws About Marijuana
In 1996, Proposition 215 set out to legalize the medical use of this substance. Residents of California voted in favour of it, and it has since then been recognized as California’s Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (the “CUA”). Not all conditions were eligible for its use. Patients had to receive a doctor’s recommendation for it as a medical treatment if they were suffering from anorexia,cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, migraines, seizures, or another debilitating condition. In order for the patient to obtain and use medical marijuana, the amount they were given must have been a reasonable amount for the condition they were in. Any more than what was considered reasonable was not legal. Furthermore, the amount of this substance in their possession must be for their own personal use.
Starting in November of 2016, Proposition 64 legalized its personal use for individuals age 21 and over. A person can only have 28.5 grams of marijuana in their possession or 4 grams of concentrated cannabis.
Legislation Of Marijuana
While new legislation reflects greater research and understanding of marijuana use, it is important to note that there are still criminalized forms of marijuana use. It is a misdemeanor crime to possess this substance as an adult on the grounds of any school. Adults selling the substance without a license are also subject to penalization. Furthermore, it is a felony for an adult to sell, give away, or administer any forms of marijuana to a minor. Ensure that your marijuana use is legal and follows proper state regulations. More information can be found by consulting your local lawyers.
