6 Things You Need To Know Before Buying Cannabis

As of January 1st, 2018, recreational cannabis is now legal in the state of California. This means that anyone over the age of 21 can purchase and consume cannabis products without having to obtain a medical marijuana card. However, there are still some things you need to know before buying cannabis in California.

Here are six important things to keep in mind.

Purchasing from a licensed dispensary

This is the only legal way to buy cannabis in California. There are currently over 400 licensed dispensaries in the state, so you should have no problem finding one near you. Marijuana dispensaries in California are regulated by the state government and must comply with strict guidelines to operate. This means that you can be sure that the cannabis you purchase from a licensed dispensary is of high quality and has been tested for safety.

However, keep in mind that not all dispensaries carry the same products, so it's a good idea to call ahead and see what they have in stock before making the trip. For instance, some dispensaries may only carry cannabis flowers, while others may also have edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

Paying with cash

Most dispensaries in California only accept cash payments. This is because banks and other financial institutions are still federally regulated and are not allowed to do business with the cannabis industry. This means that you will need to bring enough cash with you to cover the cost of your purchase. Some dispensaries do have ATMs on site, but they may charge high fees. It's always best to bring enough cash with you to avoid any unnecessary charges.

On the other hand, cashless ATMs that dispense cannabis products do exist, but they are currently only available in a few locations. Pay attention to the signs when you enter a dispensary to see if one of these machines is available.

Check ID

All dispensaries in California are required by law to check the ID of every customer who enters the store. This is to ensure that only those who are over the age of 21 can purchase cannabis products. If you do not have a valid form of ID, you will not be allowed to enter the dispensary.

The state-regulated dispensaries will not sell to anyone who is under the age of 21, so please do not try to purchase cannabis if you are not of legal age.

Additionally, please be aware that some dispensaries may require you to sign a waiver or release form before entering. This is to protect the dispensary in case any minors happen to be on the premises. These forms are typically available at the entrance of the store and only need to be signed once, especially if you are a regular customer.

Product limit

Adults over the age of 21 are legally allowed to purchase up to one ounce (28 grams) of cannabis at a time from a licensed dispensary. This is the maximum amount that you are allowed to possess in public under California law, regardless of whether you are using it recreationally or for medicinal purposes. However, there is no limit on the amount of cannabis you can possess in private.

If you do purchase more than one ounce of cannabis, it must be kept in a sealed container and stored in a location that is not visible or accessible to the driver while the vehicle is being operated.

Cannabis products come in many different forms, so it's important to know how much you are purchasing. For instance, one ounce of cannabis flowers is typically equivalent to eight grams of edibles or two grams of concentrates.

Smoking in public

Smoking cannabis in public is still illegal in California, so please be mindful of where you consume your product. If you do choose to smoke in public, it's important to be respectful of those around you and be sure not to blow smoke in anyone's face.

Additionally, it's important to remember that smoking cannabis is still prohibited on all forms of public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis. If you are caught smoking on a bus or train, you may be subject to a fine. This can be avoided by consuming cannabis in other forms, such as edibles or topicals.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, some cities have designated areas where smoking is allowed, and there are also a handful of events that have been granted permits to allow on-site cannabis consumption. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have begun to issue these permits more frequently, so keep an eye out for them if you're interested in consuming cannabis in public.

Driving and cannabis

Just like alcohol, it is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis in California. If you are pulled over and found to be driving while impaired, you could face serious penalties, including jail time.

If you do choose to consume cannabis before driving, it's important to wait at least six hours before getting behind the wheel. This will give your body enough time to metabolize the THC and reduce your risk of being impaired.

Additionally, it's important to remember that you should never smoke cannabis while driving, even if you are stopped at a red light or parked in a legal parking spot. Not only is this dangerous, but you could also be cited for smoking in a vehicle, which is against the law in California.

If you are transporting cannabis, it must be stored in a sealed container and kept out of reach of the driver. This is to prevent anyone from being able to access the cannabis while the vehicle is in motion.

Additionally, it's important to be aware of the laws in other states before crossing state lines with cannabis. While it may be legal in California, it is still illegal in many other states, so please be sure to check the laws of the state you are entering before bringing any cannabis products with you.

Now that you know the six most important things to keep in mind before buying cannabis in California, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it's right for you. Be sure to research your local laws and regulations before making a purchase, and remember to always consume responsibly. Buy only from licensed retailers, and never drive under the influence of cannabis.