Burning questions
How old do I have to be, and must I live in California?
Anyone 21 and older can buy and consume marijuana in California, even if just visiting. Stores must keep youngsters off the premises.
How much can I buy?
The limit is an ounce ( 28.5 grams) of marijuana for personal use.
Is this going to be like my college experience?
Probably not — infused edibles, hash, oil, wax and “dabs” allow you to consume far more than smoke. And pace yourself. Edibles take longer to kick in than smoked marijuana, so it’s easy to consume more than you should.
Where can I consume it?
California has strict laws limiting where people can smoke in public. Your best bet is a private home. You can’t light up on the beach, and driving while high is illegal. Anti- smoking laws are one reason edibles are so popular; in addition to being seen as healthier, they’re a lot more discreet.
Wait. Isn’t this still all entirely illegal at the federal level?
Yup. Federal agents could prosecute anyone they catch with pot bought in one of these recreational stores. The store owners, distributors and growers are also exposed to federal prosecution as drug dealers, and banks caught handling their cash could be prosecuted under organized- crime laws. Furthermore, people with commercial or pilots’ licenses or federal security clearances, along with federal employees and contractors, can still lose their jobs if they’re caught using pot. That said, it’s highly unlikely the feds would target individual customers. Instead, they’ve largely gone after people who have been growing pot intended for the black market.
Can I take it home?
Nope. Airport TSA agents
generally are not looking for drugs in your bags, but if they find any marijuana, they can call the local police, who could arrest you for possession, as airports are covered by federal rules. In legal states, airports provide trash cans before security and post reminders not to fly with marijuana. Even though marijuana is legal in Nevada and Oregon, you’re not supposed to cross state borders with it. The rule of thumb: Consume your cannabis in the state in which you bought it. Where are my taxes going?
The state is levying a 15% tax on marijuana, collected by the distribution companies. Cities and towns can also add their own taxes. The special state tax is supposed to be dedicated to a host of special areas, from increased black- market enforcement to environmental protection and grants to help low- income people find work. In other states, marijuana taxes have been used to help the homeless, repair and expand schools, and even send kids to college.