{"id":93952,"date":"2017-10-29T16:04:27","date_gmt":"2017-10-29T20:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/?p=93952"},"modified":"2025-01-29T21:06:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T02:06:22","slug":"california-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/california-marijuana-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"New California Marijuana Laws Revealed (for 2018)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The state of California is historically one of the most progressive when it comes to marijuana growth and consumption. For example, marijuana was decriminalized in California in 1975, and medical marijuana use has been legal in the state since 1996. However, the state is posed to loosen restrictions even more by allowing the growth, sale, and consumption of marijuana for recreational use by adults. Some activities and quantities will still be illegal, though, so it pays to be an informed consumer about California marijuana laws.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain activities surrounding\u00a0<\/span>recreational marijuana<\/span><\/a> are already allowed, while others will take longer to implement. The slow pace is stymied, in part, by federal laws that still classify marijuana as a high-risk drug. So, we will begin our review of California\u2019s current marijuana laws and scheduled upcoming changes with an explanation of how marijuana is categorized on a federal level.<\/span><\/p>\n

United States Federal Marijuana Laws<\/h2>\n

Marijuana growth, possession and consumption remains illegal on the federal level. Cannabis is listed as a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substance Act (CSA). (<\/span>1<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Schedule I Drug?<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is charged with enforcing federal drug-related laws and overseeing federal drug-related investigations, Schedule I drugs carry a high abuse potential and may create an acute physical and\/or psychological dependence. Other drugs in the Schedule I category include heroin, ecstasy, peyote, LSD, and methaqualone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Federal Penalties for Trafficking Schedule I Drugs<\/span><\/h3>\n

As a result of the DEA\u2019s Schedule I classification of cannabis, federal charges related to the growth, distribution, and consumption of the plant carry heavier judicial penalties for defendants than do lower-classified drugs, such as Vicodin, Valium, ketamine, and oxycodone.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, an individual convicted of federal marijuana trafficking charges with as little as one marijuana plant can be sentenced to as many as five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for a first offense. A second trafficking conviction can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years for the same, one plant. Simple marijuana possession is punishable by up to one year in federal prison and a $1,000 fine. (<\/span>1<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>2<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Marijuana Consumers May Avoid Prosecution, Traffickers May Not<\/span><\/h3>\n

If there is any good news to glean from this, it is that the federal government has taken a mostly hands-off approach to the issue of personal marijuana possession, opting instead to allow states to establish their own personal-use laws. The federal government is interested, however, in prosecuting large-scale marijuana traffickers.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say that the federal government hasn\u2019t or will not ever move in to shut down and prosecute smaller marijuana growers and sellers. The threat of the federal government\u2019s interference looms over the entire marijuana industry, and it is why marijuana remains a primarily cash-only business. Financial institutions, including banks and credit card companies, fall under federal jurisdiction. So, marijuana businesses have not historically been allowed to use such institutions as part of their business model.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overview of Existing California Marijuana Laws<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>medical marijuana laws<\/span><\/a> established in California in 1996 allow California residents 18 and over with a qualifying medical condition to obtain a medical marijuana permit. The permit allows patients to legally possess up to eight ounces of marijuana. Medical marijuana patients are also permitted to have a maximum of six mature plants or up to 12 immature plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Approved Conditions for Medical Marijuana Permits<\/span><\/h3>\n

Medical marijuana use in California is approved for the following conditions (<\/span>3<\/span><\/a>):<\/span><\/p>\n