If you’re listening to mainstream music and watching big box films based in California, it may seem as though recreational use of Marijuana in California is lax and everyone can smoke legally, but there are a lot of regulations and laws behind the legalization.
Because of this misconception, there are inmates in Mule Creek state prison serving time for Marijuana-related crimes that they could have avoided if they knew the laws pertaining to marijuana use and distribution. To avoid this, stay informed and keep up with the current laws and regulations.
This is especially true for largely populated areas like Los Angeles where there are gross potential earnings for those who are thinking about opening a dispensary. If this is something you’d be interested in seeking the advice of a knowledgeable marijuana lawyer in Los Angeles.
Knowing About Legal Marijuana In CA
The legalization of Marijuana in California began in 1996. This is when the state passed Proposition 215, the Compassion Use Act. This act allowed patients and caregivers to possess any amount of marijuana that was medically necessary for their conditions. This amount was regulated by medical administrators such as Physician Assistants and Doctors. At this point in time, there was no intention of distribution for the state or local businesses. It was strictly for medicinal purposes for the critically ill.
Introducing The ID System
In 2003 Senate Bill 420 was passed. This bill was dedicated to establishing an identification card system for medical marijuana patients. This began the dispensary era where patients could go into an establishment and show their card to legally purchase marijuana for medical use.
This bill ensured that the dispensaries were distributing lawfully cultivated marijuana, a non-profit organization and ensured that they paid their dues to the IRS.
Understanding Marijuana Regulations
In 2015 the California State Assembly passed the Medical Cannabis Regulatory Safety Act (MCRSA) which regulated the sale of marijuana seeds. This meant that seeds were now subject to licensing to ensure that each seed is up to par with the regulations. In 2016 voters approved Proposal 64 the Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMA) for nonmedicinal marijuana use.
This act also sought to regulate seed sale tracking as well as licensing for the products that were unrelated to the medical marijuana products. In 2017 both the AUMA and MCRSA were merged under Bill 94 the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulatory Safety Act (MACRSA). Bill 94 allowed dispensaries to sell both medicinal marijuana and recreational marijuana as well as regulating the licenses required to sustain the business. Although it seems as though California finalized regulations to distribute and sell in the state, matters like home delivery to areas that don’t allow dispensaries can still end up in court.
Whether you are a recreational user or you would like to own and operate a dispensary it is good to know the laws. Always remember that each governing entity can have by-laws that apply to open any type of business and it is advisable to consult a lawyer before spending time and money for a business that might not even get to open. This includes growing marijuana. In some places.
When it comes to the use of the product it is important to know the regulations for the county that you live in. The more information you have at your disposal enables you to be confident in your marijuana use. Don’t make a mistake that could cost you your freedom or livelihood, know your laws and ensure that you stay current.
