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Prop 64 was passed last year and will legalize marijuana usage for adults who are at least 21 years of age. California has until January 1, 2018 to get their regulations in order because that is when businesses can begin applying for licenses so they can legally grow and sell marijuana.
It has been over half a year since Californians voted to legalize marijuana for the state. However, in the public eye, it seems like there have been no changes in the ability to grow, use, sell, and purchase it.
This is because the state first needs to lay out all the regulations. Since the November election, bills have been moving through legislation so the state is certainly working to meet their deadline. One bill that just passed the Senate is Assembly Bill 110.
Assembly Bill 110 mentions the use of marijuana at select local and state fairgrounds. This would mean California could have dedicated weed festivals that essentially act like a music festival, except instead of purchasing a ticket to listen to music, people would purchase tickets to legally buy marijuana and smoke it at one collective location with others who are there to enjoy the same thing.
Supporters like this because it is a way for people to gather and smoke marijuana legally, safely, and away from the public who would rather not inhale or smell marijuana. Nonetheless, there are people who are not too thrilled about the idea of marijuana festivals and the bill.
Assembly Bill 110 is not yet 100% passed, as it still must get approvals from other government departments. As we wait to hear more on that, we can look at what we do know will regulate legalized marijuana:
- Driving while under the influence of marijuana will be illegal, as it currently is. Plus, marijuana must be stored in a closed container when the driver is behind the wheel.
- Most felony penalties for growing, selling, transporting, or possessing marijuana will be reduced to misdemeanors. In addition, prior offenders are allowed to petition to have their criminal record changed to reflect a misdemeanor charge rather than a felony.
- Legal-aged persons will be allowed to carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrates.
- Legal-aged persons will be allowed to grow up to 6 plants at their residence.
- Anyone who purchases marijuana from a licensed retailer in 2018 will also be charged a 15% tax.
- It is illegal to smoke a cigarette in a public place.
- Marijuana will follow the same suit. It will also be illegal to possess marijuana on school property.
- Minors under the age of 18 would in no case face imprisonment if they were to be caught growing, selling, transporting, or possessing marijuana. Alternatively, they would have to take a drug education course and perform community service. Adults 18-20 on the other hand can possibly face prison time.
- Because marijuana is illegal under federal law, possessing marijuana on federal property within California will remain illegal. This means that if someone goes camping in a California national park and is caught smoking marijuana, they are breaking the law and will be arrested.