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I have friends and family that use marijuana and it’s legal now. But then I think about how our brains are developing until we are 25. Weed could have permanent consequences. I am going to wait it out.

Rosa, 21

[ The Law ] Decoded

Now that cannabis is legal in California, it’s important to know what is and isn’t legal when it comes to cannabis use and possession.

It is illegal to take cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another state where cannabis is legal. Do not attempt to bring cannabis products on an airline, even if the flight doesn’t leave the state.

Even though it is legal under California law, it is still illegal at the federal level. This means you cannot consume or possess cannabis on federal lands like national parks, even if the park is in California.

Even if you are of legal age, you cannot consume, smoke, eat, or vape cannabis in public places. Landlords can ban the use and possession of cannabis on their properties.

You can get a DUI for driving while under the influence of cannabis.

If you are not yet a U.S. Citizen and are caught using or possessing cannabis, you risk serious consequences in your immigration case, including deportation. Since cannabis is illegal on the federal level, you can get in trouble for using or possessing cannabis even if you are using legally.

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What happens if i'm caught with weed

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FAQ

I’m 21 and can buy cannabis legally. What happens if I share my weed with underage friends?

Even if you buy cannabis legally and share it with people who are underage, they can get in trouble. Anyone under 21 who is caught in possession of cannabis can receive a Minor in Possession, which requires them to complete drug counseling and community service and can have other serious consequences.

I'm undocumented. Can I get in trouble for smoking weed?

If you are undocumented and are caught in possession of cannabis, you risk being deported or facing other serious consequences. Since cannabis is illegal on the federal level, you can get in trouble for using or possessing cannabis even if you are over 21 and using legally in California.

How much cannabis can I have for recreational use?

If you are 21 or older you can legally have up to one ounce of cannabis (or eight grams of concentrated cannabis) in California. You can also grow up to six cannabis plants in or on your private residence.

How much cannabis can I have for medical use?

According to the California Department of Public Health’s “Let’s Talk Cannabis” website:
“If you are 18 or older and have either have current qualifying physician’s recommendation, a valid county-issued medical marijuana identification card, or are a Primary Caregiver as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7(d), you can possess up to eight ounces of dried cannabis and up to six mature or 12 immature cannabis plants, unless the physician’s recommendation specifies a higher amount.”

Can I carry marijuana with me if I'm over 21?

You can carry up to one ounce of cannabis and up to eight grams of concentrated cannabis.

Can I have weed in the car with me? What if I'm not driving?

No one can have an open container of cannabis in a vehicle, regardless of whether you’re driving or a passenger. To carry cannabis in a vehicle it must be in a sealed package or be kept in the trunk. No one may consume or smoke cannabis in a vehicle.

If I buy weed in California, can I leave the state with it?

No. Due to federal law, you can't bring cannabis across state lines - even if you're traveling to another state where it's legal.

No. Using cannabis in public is still illegal and, depending on the location, may be subject to fines.

Even though it's legal, can I get fired for smoking weed?

Yes. Even though it's legal in California for people 21 or older to use cannabis, your employer still has the right to conduct drug testing and ban cannabis usage for their employees.