California Dispensaries General Info and Laws

California dispensaries are facilities throughout the state that are legally licensed to distribute medical marijuana to patients with proper physician recommendations. The laws governing these dispensaries are typically made at a local level (city/county), and they tend to change on a pretty regular basis. However, there are some laws made by the state.

For example, in October 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law that prohibits dispensaries from being located within 600 feet of a school. This applies to dispensaries all throughout California, trumping any local laws that may have cropped up.

One key issue facing California dispensaries is how difficult it can be for them to keep up with all of these laws and ensure compliance. When the state and local lawmakers are regularly changing and adding new laws, there are dangers of over-regulating these California dispensaries to the point of extinction. There are also concerns over cities’ and counties’ rights to place bans on dispensaries in their region.

What Does This Mean for You?

As you can see, the laws governing California dispensaries are constantly changing and at times confusing. For you (the patient), what does all of this mean?

First of all, it’s important that you keep track of which dispensaries are still open and in compliance. As laws update and change, your favorite local dispensary might not be able to stay open. That’s where we can help. At MedicalMarijuanaListing.org, we make it easy for you to find the best California dispensaries in your area. Just click here, enter your zip code, and browse listings of dispensaries near you.

You also need to remember that you can’t visit a dispensary and purchase pot if you don’t have a recommendation from your physician. You should keep your written recommendation in a safe place, and have that and your ID with you when you go to buy marijuana at a local dispensary.

It’s also important to have this recommendation with you in a safe place in case you get confronted by law enforcement. Your recommendation proves you’re legally allowed to possess marijuana in California.

Important Laws about Marijuana Possession

Although medical marijuana law was originally approved in 1996 in California, various amendments have altered the law over the years. Under current law, qualified patients (who have gotten recommendations from medical marijuana in Cali) can possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana or 6 mature marijuana plants. For immature marijuana plants, you can keep up to 12 of them.

Find the Best California Dispensaries

At MedicalMarijuanaListing.org, we make it easy for you to find the best California dispensaries in your area. Just click here, enter your zip code, and browse listings of dispensaries near you.