The legalization of marijuana has been a hot topic around the country for the past couple of years. Though the federal government has yet to legalize marijuana, many states have taken the initiative to legalize it for both medical and recreational use. California is one of those states, but when did California actually legalize weed?
This is a question that many people ask, and this blog post aims to answer that question as well as provide additional information regarding the laws and regulations of marijuana in California.
California has some of the most progressive marijuana laws in the country, and the state has seen a significant economic boom since legalizing marijuana.
The state has also seen positive impacts in terms of public health, safety, and social justice. This was an effective approach for medical marijuana businesses as medical cannabis have much higher sales leading to more contribution to the economy.
Although it’s a legal market, it’s still within cannabis control implemented by the controlled substances act.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of marijuana legalization in California, the current status of California’s marijuana laws, and the future outlook of marijuana in the state.
California Legalization Date
The state of California has announced the official date for the legalization of recreational cannabis. On January 1st, 2018, recreational cannabis will become legal in California, making it the sixth state in the US to legalize the drug.
This decision comes after the passing of Proposition 64 in November 2016, which legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over in the state of California.
With the passing of this law, California will become the largest state in the country to allow recreational cannabis use, making it a huge milestone for the cannabis reform movement. Meaning marijuana sales will go up because the state legalizes the cannabis market and can sell more cannabis products. The cannabis industry will be watched by the drug enforcement administration if they go overboard with the new law and business and professions code.
California Federal Law for Weed
In California, cannabis (also known as weed or marijuana) is legal for both medical and recreational use under state law, but it remains illegal under federal law.
Under California law, adults over the age of 21 are allowed to possess up to 28.5 grams of cannabis flower or up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. Adults are also allowed to grow up to six plants for personal use.
However, under federal law, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification has made it difficult for researchers to study the potential medical benefits of cannabis and has created legal and financial challenges for the industry.
While the federal government has largely taken a hands-off approach to enforcement in states that have legalized cannabis, there is still a risk of federal prosecution for those involved in the industry.
Additionally, cannabis businesses may face challenges accessing banking and other financial services due to the federal illegality of the drug. Marijuana possession or cannabis possession is legal in Los Angeles as long as it’s for personal use.
How Much Weed is a Felony in California 2019
In California, the amount of weed (also known as marijuana or cannabis) that can result in a felony charge depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
Under California law, possession of any amount of cannabis for personal use is no longer a criminal offense, but rather an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100.
However, possession of larger amounts, as well as possession with intent to sell, can result in felony charges.
It’s a misdemeanor offense if you are found in possession of more than 28.5 g of cannabis or more than 4 g of concentrated cannabis, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to six months of jail time.
Possession for the sale, transportation, distribution, or cultivation of cannabis can result in felony charges, even if the amount involved is less than 28.5 grams. The severity of the charges and potential penalties depend on the amount of cannabis involved, as well as other factors such as prior criminal history and intent to sell.
For example, possession for the sale of up to 28.5 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor offense. Still, possession for the sale of more than 28.5 grams can result in felony charges and penalties ranging from 16 months to three years in state prison.
Marijuana illicit market are still forbidden to conduct buying and selling a huge number of controlled substances.
Also Read: How to Pass a Drug Test for Weed
When did California Legalize Recreational Marijuana
California legalized recreational marijuana on November 8, 2016, when California voters approved Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA).
The law went into effect on January 1, 2018, allowing adults 21 and over to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes legally.
Under the law, adults can possess up to 28.5 grams of cannabis flower or up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. They can also grow up to six plants for personal use. The law established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis products and created a state agency to oversee the licensing of cannabis businesses.
Proposition 64 also included provisions for expunging or reducing certain marijuana-related offenses from criminal records, as well as for taxing and regulating the industry.
The law has had a significant impact on California’s economy, with the legal cannabis market generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating jobs. It’s worth noting that while recreational marijuana is legal in California under state law, it remains illegal under federal law, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug.
Despite this, the federal government has largely taken a hands-off approach to enforcement in states that have legalized cannabis.
When did California Legalize Medical Marijuana
California legalized medicinal marijuana on November 5, 1996, when voters approved Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act. The law went into effect on November 6, 1996, and allowed patients with a valid recommendation from a physician to use cannabis for medical purposes.
Under the law, patients with conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and glaucoma could use cannabis to alleviate their symptoms. The law did not establish a regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis products. Still, it provided a legal defense for patients and caregivers who possessed or cultivated cannabis for medical use.
Proposition 215 paved the way for the development of Los Angeles California’s medical cannabis industry, which has grown significantly over the years.
In 2015, the state passed a set of laws known as the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA) to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the medical cannabis industry.
These laws were later consolidated into the state’s current cannabis regulations under the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). Cannabis legalization remains a hot topic because it is seen as an illegal market.
