Did you know that recreational sales for marijuana have exceeded $2 billion in California? It’s no surprise if you live in the state you have either walked by a cannabis store or visited one because it’s such a large pro weed state.
Even though weed is legal in California, but that doesn’t mean that there are laws you don’t have to follow.
Keep reading to learn all about growing weed in California.
Growing Weed in California: Do It Without the Feds Coming After You
If you decide to grow marijuana in California, it’s not impossible. You have to make sure you understand the laws and how to do it legally in the state to avoid trouble. You can get your medical marijuana license online without an issue, but when it comes to growing, there are stricter regulations.
It’s no secret that smoking has become more accepted in society. There’s a ton of strains grown and accessories to make your smoking life easier. Some people are under the impression that growing weed in California isn’t a big deal, but you can have serious consequences including jail time if you don’t take legal precautions.
If you’re growing with intent to distribute, they can sentence you up to three years in jail.
Where to Start?
You have to apply for the appropriate licenses to be legal and in compliance. Once your licenses are finalized, you can contract with dispensaries, and delivery services to grow marijuana for them.
To figure out which license is for you and how much it will cost this site will have your answers.
Who Can Legally Grow Weed?
If you are using marijuana for medical reasons or you are caring for someone who uses it for medical you can grow weed for personal use. You have to have a recommendation from your doctor for a serious medical issue.
Medical issues include any of the following but are not limited to just these:
- Seizures
- Anorexia
- AIDS
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Cancer
- Migraines
- Arthritis
Under California State law you are legally allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants. Keep in mind that you’re not required to have a medical marijuana card to grow cannabis plants but it offers protection against arrest.
You can’t plant, harvest, cultivate, dry, or process marijuana plants unless you have the proper medical marijuana card or are taking care of someone that has their card.
What Are the Rules?
- Cities have the right to prohibit outdoor growing, but they can’t keep you from growing inside your home
- Minimum age to grow is 21: it’s now treated similarly to alcohol meaning no underage growing is allowed
- You can only grow where you live, it can’t be seen and has to be locked
- Can’t carry more than 28.5 grams when you leave your home
- Keep your growing personal: Even though it’s legal it should be kept private because it’s a personal privilege
- If you live next to a public place like a school or a park you can’t openly grow in your backyard
- If you’re renting the home. you’re living in the same rules apply as if it was your home
What Is the Growing Etiquette?
The last thing you want to do is get your neighbors or someone mad and have them complain. You don’t want to grow more than you need it’s California, after all, so let’s be eco-conscious.
Don’t plant outdoors where people don’t want you to plant. Don’t sell your private grow let the professionals handle that.
Do You Use Medical Strains?
If you use a specific medical strain before the supply diminishes start growing your own now. Finding medical strains has become more difficult since weed became legal recreationally.
In 2018 they passed a law that those with a medical card won’t pay sales tax on retail marijuana.
History of Marijuana in California
In 1913 there was an addendum that added marijuana to the list of other illegal drugs including cocaine, morphine and peddle opium. At this point, California was the first state to prohibit the sale of marijuana. In 1972 they tried to pass Proposition 19 which was to decriminalize both the possession and the sale of marijuana.
The bill failed, but some districts still passed the bill. It failed with a 66.5% no vote. Some people in power felt that they didn’t want the state to run the risk of increasing marijuana smoking.
Later on, the mayor of San Francisco, George Moscone, attempted to lower arrests and their costs by introducing Senate Bill 95. This bill would downgrade the possession of marijuana as a misdemeanor. The costs of the arrest were taking a toll on the city, so the mayor was attempting to help.
In 1996 California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana with Proposition 215. There are a few activists that feel that it took a long time for the law to pass to make it recreational.
There are both happy and unhappy politicians with marijuana legalization. Chuck Schumer introduced the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act. This bill gave freedom to the laboratories so that they could be in the best interest of the people in that state.
In the summer of 2018, the FDA approved the first cannabis-based CBD oil for public consumption.
Ready to Grow Your Own Marijuana?
As you can see, growing weed in California can be done legally through the state. If you are growing for personal medical use, it’s different than growing to sell it to a dispensary. Follow all of the guidelines above, and you will stay out of trouble.
If you’re looking for more cannabis news and information check out our cannabis section.