Here is what passage of Prop 64 in California means right now:
- Individuals who are 21 years or older can now carry up to one ounce of marijuana
- Individuals who are 21 years or older can now possess up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis
- Individuals who possess more than an ounce of marijuana or more than 8 grams of concentrate are subject to a misdemeanor charge
- Grow up to six plants and depending on the current regulations in the city or county you live in, it may be required that the plants are grown in doors
- If you have been convicted of marijuana possession charges which is now covered under Prop 64 (possession of less than an ounce for personal use), can petition to have the conviction removed from their records
- Individuals possessing marijuana for sales can face misdemeanor charges unless they fall within certain disqualifying categories exposing them to a felony
- Current medicinal marijuana dispensaries can apply for licenses to sell recreational pot next year
What it does not mean:
- Purchasing marijuana for recreation from non-medicinal marijuana business because the tax provisions don’t kick in until January of 2018
- Those under 21 years old can still be charged with an infraction
- Driving a car under the influence of marijuana
- Smoking pot in public
- Growing marijuana for commercial purposes for recreational use although there are provisions for a temporary license
- Still unlawful under federal law
Some things to be aware of, especially for those who are a bit older and remember the effect of pot years ago, todays weed can be much more potent. Back then, you might have smoked a joint, took a bunch of bong hits, smoke a bowl or two or three to get high. If you have visited a medical dispensary in California or one in a state where pot has been legal, you know that the price really depends on the THC level of the product. It has been reported that Hippie weed from the 70s is nothing compared to today. Marijuana can be 57-67% more potent today with advancements in technology.
We are still in the early stages of legalization in California. Be careful and do not have more than an ounce if you think you need to carry that much around. Don’t drive stoned. Remember, if you are under 21 years old, there are still consequences for possession. If you have a conviction in the past for marijuana possession or sales, consult a lawyer to see what can be done to clean up your record.