In 2018, the state of California allowed licensed dispensaries to legally sell recreational marijuana. So, yes, cannabis is legal in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re a resident or tourist, here are seven things you should know about the legality of weed in LA.
1. There Are Different Rules for Medicinal Users and Adult Recreational Users
In the City of Angels, residents who are twenty-one years of age or older can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries for recreational use.
But people can legally use medicinal cannabis, with a doctor’s recommendation, from the age of eighteen.
Furthermore, medicinal users are allowed higher possession limits than recreational users and they are allowed to grow more plants at home than non-medicinal users if their doctor recommends it.
2. You Cannot Use Cannabis Everywhere in Los Angeles
While it is legal to use cannabis on private property, it is not legal to do so in public places like bars and restaurants. Nor can you smoke cannabis in locations where smoking tobacco is not allowed. There are other rules too. For example, you cannot smoke cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school, youth center, or day center if children are present, which makes good sense.
Also, property owners have the right to ban the use of cannabis on privately-owned property.
3. Cannabis Is Still Illegal Under Federal Law
While cannabis can be legally bought and used in LA, it is important that you remember that it is still illegal under federal law. That means you cannot possess or use cannabis while on federal property, such as national parks. It also means it is illegal to take cannabis over the state line.
And due to the federal law, in LA, you can grow only up to six cannabis plants at your home,
4. You Should Be Aware of the Rules Concerning Driving with Cannabis
If you drive with cannabis in your vehicle, it must be either sealed in a container or package or in the trunk of your vehicle.
It is illegal to drive in LA with an open container containing cannabis.
5. You Can Buy Cannabis from Authorized Retailers in Los Angeles
In LA, you can purchase cannabis from brick-and-mortar dispensaries and online dispensaries. All retailers must have a license and ensure their products are tested to ensure their safety for consumers.
6. Tourists Can Legally Buy Cannabis
If you are planning on visiting Los Angeles as a tourist and you want to sample some local cannabis, it is good news. You can buy cannabis products just like residents can.
However, there are a few regulations and guidelines that visitors to California must follow.
For instance, like residents, you must be twenty-one years of age, and prove your age, to legally purchase cannabis from a dispensary. If you are an American citizen from another state, you can verify your age by showing either an out-of-state driver’s license or a government-issued ID card.
If you are an international tourist, you will need to show your passport to confirm your age before you can legally be sold cannabis.
7. Some Cannabis Products Are Legal Throughout the USA, e.g. CBD
While cannabis that contains THC, which is the main ingredient that creates the “high” feeling, is not legal in all states, some cannabis products are legal throughout the USA.
So, if you are not based in LA or visiting the city, and THC cannabis is illegal in your home location, you might like to try CBD cannabis, such as Hometown Hero CBD, which does not give a “high” feeling but does aid in relaxation.
CBD products are legal in all states, for both residents and tourists.
If you have not tried cannabis before, you might like to start with CBD before trying THC-based products.
Alternatively, if you want to give traditional THC marijuana a go, it is best to start off with a low dose. Whether you are an LA resident or a tourist, you can get advice about dosages and cannabis strains and their effects from knowledgeable staff members at dispensaries.
