For many Californians, the New Year is set to bring more than just unresolved resolutions. In 2018 the sale and use of recreational marijuana finally goes into effect in California. While there is a great deal of excitement, there is also some concern for the process. People who have been getting their cannabis medically especially have questions. Here is everything you should expect from the upcoming changes to the marijuana laws in California.
When do the new laws go into effect?
To the surprise of many cannabis supporters in California, the new recreational laws are set to take place January 1st 2018. Dispensaries and growers have been anticipating the arrival of Proposition 64 since it was voted into the law last year. There are even signs advertising the start of recreational use throughout the cannabis community. However, preparations have not always been easy. Not only does there need to be enough supply to cover the new demand, the procedure itself has changed.
Can anyone buy weed on January 1st?
The biggest question that people have is whether or not they will be able to walk into a dispensary and buy weed. This is especially true for people who did not take part in the marijuana program. It may ease your mind to know that this is exactly what you will be able to do. However, there are rules and regulations that both patients and suppliers need to follow.
The most important thing to remember is that you have to be of age to purchase marijuana as well as other cannabis products. California is sticking with the same regulate age as with marijuana which is 21. Along with being of age, you will also need to acquire a temporary license from the state of California. These special licenses are being processed and review by the Bureau of Cannabis Control.
The process of obtaining a temporary license is far easier than it was to apply for a marijuana card in California. Starting this month, residents on the state of California can start applying for these licenses. All you would need to do is use the BCC’s online application services. One you receive your temporary license, you will still need to wait until January 1st for it to be valid and useable.
Can I walk into any dispensary and buy weed?
The biggest problem when it comes to buying recreational marijuana is where to actually buy it. Depending on where you live, it won’t be as easy as walking into any dispensary. This is because while Prop 64 was voted into law, not every county is on board. This means not every dispensary will sell marijuana for recreational use and instead choose to only continue medical sales.
However, there are plenty of cities who have fully embraces the new recreation marijuana lifestyle. Some have even been preparing for January for almost a year. Oakland, for example, has been making changes to marijuana sale rules in hopes of making the transition to recreational marijuana smoother. Other cities, like San Jose, are still debating about whether or not to keep their current ban on recreational marijuana. Some cities have even decided to ban all sales of marijuana, including marijuana, as a form of protest against Proposition 64. So make sure you do your research before heading out to celebrate on January 1st.
Will marijuana still be under quality control?
The good news about recreational marijuana is that it still will be tested the same way marijuana was. This is because quality testing is protected under California State law. This means that you can still be sure that the product you are buying is high quality and safe.
Along with quality control, there still will be testing for THC and CBD levels. This is good news for patients who are looking for marijuana for pain as well as play. Starting in January, all products must be specifically labeled with weight and chemicals levels. This will not only protect you as a consumer, but will hold the supplier accountable for the product.
Will the products and dispensaries still be the same?
Short answer is no. Some of the products that you may be used to seeing will no longer be for sale under Proposition 64. This is especially true when it comes to edibles. Edibles that resemble candy, like gummy bears, will no longer be for sale. This rule was put in place in an effort to discourage underage cannabis use. This was also put in place to protect children from mistaking the drug for candy.
As far as dispensaries go, they will pretty much remain the same. The dispensaries that will embrace recreational sales, will update security. This may include more security measures like alarm systems and cameras. This may create a problem for customers who value their privacy and prefer to be discreet. If this applies to you, there is another way.
One market that will seemingly work the same after January 1st is the marijuana delivery services. Most will continue to provide quality products with the peace of mind of privacy that you want. It should be said, however, that not every delivery service will choose to sell marijuana recreationally either.
Final Thoughts
While the transition from marijuana sales to recreational may seem confusing, it will be totally worth it. This is just the first step to hopefully one day having completely decriminalized marijuana. The most important thing to remember is that if you want to be able to purchase marijuana for recreational use, you need to apply first. Simply visit the BCC’s website and fill out an application. It is also important to remember that you must be a resident of California and at least 21 years old to apply. So get ready, January 1st is right around the corner. Good luck.
