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Substance Abuse Prevention and Control

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Prop. 64 and Responsible Adult Use of Marijuana
Proposition 64: Adult Use of Marijuana
With the passage of Proposition 64, California legalized responsible adult use of marijuana.  Please see the following for more information on marijuana use, and on the efforts of Department of Public Health to promote the health and safety of our communities.

Prop. 64 Rules on Personal Use and Cultivation
As of Nov. 9th any adult 21 years or older may:
  • Possess, transport, obtain or give away to other adults 21 or older up to one ounce of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrated marijuana.
  • Cultivate up to six plants per residence and possess the marijuana produced by these plants.  All plants and harvest in excess of one ounce must be kept in a locked space not in public view at one’s residence.  Local governments may still forbid cultivation outdoors, but will allow it inside a private residence or accessory structure that is "fully enclosed and secure."

You still cannot buy non-medical marijuana until the State adequately regulates and licenses retailers to operate after January 1, 2018.  Meanwhile, medical marijuana is still available for purchase for those 18 years of age or older with appropriate doctor’s recommendations.

You may NOT:
  • Consume marijuana in any public place.
  • Smoke or vaporize marijuana in any non-smoking area or within 1,000 feet of a school, day care or youth center while children are present, except privately at a residence.
  • Consume marijuana or possess an “open container” of marijuana while driving or riding as a passenger in any motor vehicle, boat, or airplane.
  • Possess or use marijuana on the grounds of a school, day care or youth center.
  • Manufacture concentrated cannabis with a volatile solvent (except for state-licensed manufacturers).

Furthermore,
  • Owners may forbid the possession or use of marijuana on their property subject to normal tenant law for renters.
  • Employers may prohibit use of marijuana by their employees.
  • Commercial marijuana cultivation, manufacturing or sales operations require a license from the State Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, which will begin accepting applications January 1, 2018.

Minors
Minors under 21 may not possess, use, transport, or cultivate non-medical marijuana, subject to a $100 fine for those 18 and older.  Minors under 18 are subject to drug counseling or community service.

Prior offenders
If you have been convicted for a marijuana felony or other offense that has been downgraded by Prop 64, you may petition the court to have your record changed to what it would be if Prop 64 had been in effect.

Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana will continue to be available for those 18 years of age or older with valid doctor’s recommendations.  State-approved medical marijuana identification cards are available through the DPH MMIP program.

As there are currently no adequate clinical standards and prescription guidelines for medical marijuana use, it is necessary to be mindful of the quantity and quality of marijuana you decide to use.

Responsible adult use
While marijuana may be used responsibly, it is also a psychoactive drug that can have short and long-term consequences.  How it affects your body and your health can vary widely depending on a number of individual and psycho-social-biological factors, including your age, and preexisting physical and mental health conditions.

Furthermore, until we can implement adequate safety and quality standards and monitoring, you cannot be sure that the marijuana you buy is free of mold, pesticides, or other toxic chemicals.

While further research and regulations for marijuana are being developed, practice caution and care if consuming marijuana.

For more information on marijuana:

Department of Public Health’s role in marijuana regulation

  • The Department of Public Health (DPH) is working in collaboration with other county departments, cities, and community members to increase education and prevention of marijuana abuse and addiction, and reduce access to minors.
  • DPH promotes smoke-free policies to protect commercial housing residents from dangers of secondhand smoke.
  • The DPH Medical Marijuana Identification Program issues State-authorized medical marijuana identification cards.
  • DPH’s Environmental Health Program will be working to develop quality testing systems to ensure that consumers are protected from undesirable contaminants.
  • DPH’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Division offers community-based substance use prevention and treatment services for marijuana and other substances.

For any questions, please contact:  marijuana@lacounty.gov

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