17 Nov California Legalizes Marijuana: Your Guide To Prop 64
The 2016 general election sent plenty of shockwaves through the nation. And while it will be forever remembered for its surprising presidential outcome, the election also saw major wins for marijuana reform.
California, Massachusetts and Nevada passed ballot initiatives legalizing recreational marijuana while Florida, North Dakota and Arkansas have passed medical marijuana legislation. And while California’s Proposition 64 was one of the most widely covered marijuana initiatives this election cycle, some might not be familiar with its specifics.
The team at Armstrong Bail Bonds wants you to stay up-to-date when it comes to California’s most important new laws. As such, we’re providing this helpful guide to Proposition 64 to shed some light on California’s new stance on marijuana.
What Is Proposition 64?
While eligible Californians have been able to use medical marijuana for years, Proposition 64, a.k.a. the Adult Use Of Marijuana Act, legalizes recreational marijuana for the masses. The initiative allows citizens who are 21 years of age or older to possess, transport and buy up to 28.5 grams of marijuana for recreational use.
The proposition expands California’s preexisting medical marijuana policy to cover recreational weed.
Where Does Prop 64 Allow You To Smoke Marijuana?
Some might think that Prop 64 allows Californians to toke up wherever, whenever. But that’s definitely not the case.
Under the new law, marijuana cannot be smoked in public spaces unless it is allowed by a local ordinance. Smoking pot is also outlawed within 1,000 of a school, day care center or youth center while children are present. Additionally, it can’t be smoked in locations that already prohibit tobacco smoking under state law, such as restaurants, bars and theaters.
Regulations For Growing And Selling Marijuana
Prop 64’s biggest impact might be in how it affects growing and selling marijuana in California.
The initiative allows citizens to grow and use up to six marijuana plants. While recreational users would still have to stick to the 28.5 gram rule, medical marijuana patients may possess the necessary amount for their diagnosis. And if you want to grow marijuana for others, you’ll need to get a state-issued license.
Anyone who grows, sells, processes or transports marijuana will have to get a license, including businesses already authorized to sell medical marijuana. And those running pot shops will have to undergo a background check from the state before receiving their licenses, which can be denied based on previous offenses.
When Will Prop 64 Go Into Effect?
Many Californians are eager to reap the benefits of Prop 64, but it’s tough to say when exactly the new law will go into effect.
Citizens will have to wait until the state issues licenses for those in the marijuana industry before indulging in recreational weed. And California has until January 1, 2018 to begin issuing the new licenses. The state will use the intervening time to determine how exactly it will use tax revenue generated by the sale of marijuana.
California’s new stance on marijuana could prove a major win for the state, bringing in more tax money to theoretically improve the state. But the time before Prop 64 goes into effect could be a tricky one for residents eager to indulge in recreational marijuana. If you find you or a loved one find yourself in trouble with the law, contact Armstrong Bail Bonds. Our trustworthy team of professionals are here 24/7 to help you through the bail bonds process.