New Laws for Cannabis In California For 2018
California’s latest cannabis laws passed over the New Year. California became the sixth state in the United States to allow licensed shops to sell marijuana. Anyone with an ID showing they are 21 or older will be able to purchase marijuana, much like purchasing alcohol at a store, without the need for a medical marijuana license. Here are a few more of the latest laws you need to be aware of before visiting the nearest dispensary.
While it is legal for anyone with an ID showing they are 21 or older to purchase marijuana, this does not mean marijuana can be smoked in public spaces. This includes spaces designated for tobacco use. Authorities can fine anyone who smokes marijuana in public spaces, such as streets, bars, or parks, $100 to $250. A few California cities may open cannabis lounges after the New Year, allowing clients to smoke marijuana. Outside of that, marijuana smokers can only smoke in their own homes or other private property.
Medical marijuana dispensaries may not automatically receive permission to sell marijuana for recreational use. This will be dependent on whether the medical marijuana dispensary obtains the correct license allowing recreational sales but also, the city the dispensary is located in. Most cities in California are not allowing the recreational marijuana sales, forcing medical marijuana dispensaries to sell only to people with medical marijuana licenses. Some cities will allow recreational marijuana sales, and dispensaries must obtain the appropriate license to make those sales.
Driving laws apply to marijuana just like alcohol. People cannot consume it while driving or keep an open, accessible container. You further cannot drive while under the influence of marijuana. There has yet to be a concrete way to measure cannabis impairment; however, officers are currently using drug tests to detect cannabis in the bloodstream. Police can arrest cannabis-impaired drivers who fail this test.
Unsure if the new cannabis laws will affect your or your business? Contact our experienced cannabis law attorneys today at Arata, Van Egmond & Heitlinger, APC. We can help further explain these new laws and help you understand how they affect your rights in California.