California Medical Marijuana Card Legislation
In California, adults 21 and over can legally purchase and consume marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Starting with Prop 215, or the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, Prop 215 allowed qualified medical marijuana patients and caregivers to possess and cultivate marijuana for medical use. This was followed by Senate Bill 420, which specified the mandate and implementations of Prop 215 in 2003.
California voters then passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, known as Prop 64, in 2016. This prop established the legal sales and cultivation taxes; legalizing sales, possession, cultivation, and consumption of cannabis for adults 21 and above for recreational use.
Prop 64 had some of its own challenges which caused the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) to be passed in June of 2017. This act made marijuana licensing requirements easier and more available, while also specifying the medical marijuana regulations within the state of California. This act also set up the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) which oversees medical and recreational cannabis operations throughout the state of California. By 2021 the state had consolidated its regulatory oversight into a new agency called the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) which took control from the state’s agriculture and public health department branches that had some oversight powers due to MAUCRSA.
California Medical Marijuana Card Cultivation & Possession Laws
In California, adults 21 and over can possess and buy up to 1 ounce of cannabis, and up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. Legal consumers may carry cannabis in their vehicles as well, but it must be in a sealed container or in the trunk of the vehicle. Adults may also transfer or give away up to one ounce of dried cannabis, and 8 grams of cannabis concentrates to another adult who’s 21 or older. Additionally, adults can cultivate medical marijuana from their home via California’s home cultivation program. Adults without a qualifying physician’s recommendation can grow a maximum of 6 marijuana plants, regardless of the plant’s maturity levels.
Get started with your California Medical Marijuana Card today!