Several states in the U.S. have made moves to legalize medical marijuana. Over the past years, however, there have also been efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in certain areas, such as California.
California has always been a popular destination for tourists. It attracts plenty of visitors every year. Ever since the state started to allow people to possess and consume cannabis in certain amounts, more people have wanted to visit it to try it out. A Sacramento drug crime law firm is able to answer questions like Can a tourist buy edibles in California, though?
There are a few guidelines to consider before buying marijuana in California. Although there's considerable flexibility surrounding cannabis products in the state, it's important to consider that tourists may not have the same rights as medical marijuana patients. Goss Law can also advise on questions such as What is the rule for cannabis in California?
Can a Tourist Purchase Legal Recreational Cannabis?
Yes, a tourist can legally buy recreational marijuana. A few years ago, California started to provide licenses to retail dispensaries, allowing businesses to distribute cannabis products to people, including tourists.
Of course, those who want to purchase cannabis must follow the state's guidelines and regulations. Otherwise, they expose themselves to legal consequences, regardless of whether they're a resident or not. A person can't, for example, smoke cannabis in a place with a no-smoke policy.
It's important to note that federal cannabis laws still consider this drug illegal. While it's safe to get it in small amounts in California, a tourist can't take it out of the state. They may face legal problems if they do so. The average cannabis cost will vary depending on where they buy it.
How Can a Tourist Get Legal Cannabis in California?
Adults over 21 years of age can get cannabis in California without any problems, as long as they follow the law. They can go to a local cannabis dispensary, find the product they're interested in, and buy it.
It's important to note that not all dispensaries in the state distribute cannabis for recreational purposes. Some of them will only sell to people with a medical marijuana card.
Before the Adult Use Marijuana Act was passed in the state, people had to get a physician's recommendation to consume cannabis. That isn't the case anymore, but it's still crucial to check which dispensaries distribute for recreational purposes instead of medical ones.
What Is a Recreational Cannabis Dispensary?
Although it has a rather strange name, a dispensary is like any store. Its size may vary depending on the business. However, they're all regulated by the state.
Some dispensaries look like small stores, whereas others resemble larger ones that have a wider selection of products. Most dispensaries will have a security guard at the door, as it's required by law.
Usually, these dispensaries will only accept cash as payment. However, certain stores also take credit cards. Doing research beforehand may help tourists get to the best option for them.
How Much Cannabis Can a Tourist Get?
Tourists can get up to 28.5 grams (one ounce) of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis per day. Most dispensaries will track the tourists's transactions to ensure they're not selling them more than what's allowed by law.
Since it's illegal to consume cannabis in public, tourists can only take their edibles on private property or in an establishment licensed for that purpose. Many hotels have strict policies that prevent people from smoking, so that could be an issue for tourists. If the person wants to take an edible, however, there shouldn't be a problem.
It's also important to remember that cannabis is illegal under federal law. A tourist can't take their edibles with them on an airplane. If TSA discovers that the tourist is taking any amount with them, they risk facing charges or other consequences, depending on how much they have in their possession. Goss Law can also answer questions like Can you take edibles through TSA in California?
Is an ID Required to Buy Cannabis in California?
Yes. Tourists must prove to business owners that they're at least 21 years old when buying cannabis. If they can't show a valid ID, they will not even be allowed to enter the dispensary.
There are many government-issued IDs that tourists can use to show their age, including:
Driver's license
ID card
Passport
What Should Tourists Keep in Mind Before Buying Cannabis in California?
Although buying cannabis seems straightforward enough, it may be a complicated process for first-time buyers. People interested in getting cannabis for recreational purposes should have basic knowledge about what these products do to them. Understanding that there are different types of cannabis is also crucial to avoid having a bad experience with the product.
Usually, the staff at dispensaries is knowledgeable and will let the tourist know about anything they should keep in mind before consuming these products. Those new to cannabis will have to start with lower doses to avoid health problems.
It's also important to know the difference between CBD and THC. THC is the psychoactive compound in the marijuana plant that can get people in trouble. Most governments are actively trying to control the amounts of THC people consume, so tourists should keep in mind how much they have in their possession.
CBD, on the other hand, is the "harmless" component of the marijuana plant. Although it doesn't cause such a feeling of "high" like THC, it still provides several benefits to users. Tourists shouldn't have too much trouble buying products with CBD, but they should still keep an eye out for any regulations the state may have about this component.
Finally, tourists should avoid any illegal activity that could make them face consequences, including the sale of cannabis to minors, consuming related products in public places, etc.
Bottom Line
Cannabis is legal to get for recreational and medicinal purposes in California. By following the cannabis control guidelines in the state, tourists shouldn't have any problems getting these products.
Most states are actively working on cannabis laws, so there's a chance that they could change over the following years. Anyone interested in cannabis must check local and state laws before visiting, as this will give them the best chance of avoiding legal problems.