Overview of Marijuana Laws in California
Legal issues regarding marijuana are among the most common in the State of California. Below is a list of state laws.
California Compassionate Use Act of 1996, Proposition 215 – Health & Safety Code Section 11362.5
An amended state law that allows the use and legal access to marijuana when prescribed by a doctor. A patient is allowed to possess, transport, and grow marijuana for their personal use. 11362.5(d) Section 11357, relates to possession of marijuana, and Section 11358, relates to cultivation of marijuana, shall not apply to a patient who possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written approval of a physician.
California Senate Bill 420 –
Health & Safety Code Sections 11362.7
This clarified the scope of the Compassionate Use Act. A patient or caregiver may possess no more than eight ounces of dried marijuana per patient.
Also, the patient or primary caregiver may maintain no more than six mature or twelve immature plants per qualified patient. Even though California State Law allows the personal use and possession of marijuana for medical purposes, a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling clarified that the federal government can still arrest patients who are using medical marijuana legally under state law, as federal law still considers marijuana illegal.
Importantly, the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling did not overturn the medical marijuana laws in California. This means that the laws still stand to protect patients, providing a sense of security and support.
California Health & Safety Code Section 11357
It is illegal to knowingly possess marijuana unless it has been legally authorized by a physician for medical purposes. This authorization typically involves a written recommendation or prescription from a licensed physician.
11357(a) Possession of Concentrated Cannabis
This can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor crime. A felony charge is more serious than a misdemeanor charge, with potential penalties including a longer prison sentence and higher fines. The maximum sentence for a felony charge of this nature is up to three years in prison and a $500 fine.
11357(b) Possession of Under an Ounce of Marijuana
Normally, you will only be issued a citation to appear in court. Fine up to $100. No jail or probation is required.
11357(c) Possession of Over One Ounce of Marijuana.
The maximum sentence for this charge is up to 6 months in County Jail and a fine of up to $500.
California Health & Safety Code Section 11358 – Cultivation of Marijuana
Anyone individual who plants, cultivates, harvests, dries, or processes marijuana, unless legally authorized by a physician for medicinal purposes, is guilty of a felony crime, regardless of the amount.
California Health & Safety Code Section 11359 – Possession with Intent to Sell Marijuana
It is illegal to sell, provide, give away, or attempt to give away any marijuana unless legally authorized by a physician for medicinal purposes. Possession with the intent to sell marijuana is a felony crime. “Sale” is the exchange of marijuana for cash, services, favors, or other benefits. Penalty: The maximum sentence is up to three years in state prison.
California Health & Safety Code Section 11360 – Transportation of Marijuana
Transportation or sale of over one ounce is a felony crime. It is illegal to transport into the state, sell, furnish, give away, or attempt to give away any marijuana. The maximum sentence is up to four years in state prison. 11360(b) Transportation of less than one ounce is a misdemeanor.
Charged with a marijuana offense?
If you find yourself facing state or federal marijuana criminal charges, remember that you're not alone. Our team of Los Angeles criminal attorneys at Cron, Israels, and Stark is here to guide you. Contact us immediately to schedule a free case evaluation and get the support you need.
It's important to note that federal and state drug laws allow the government to seize your assets if they can prove they were acquired with the illegal proceeds of drug crime activity. However, our defense lawyers are well-versed in challenging these allegations, ensuring that your rights and assets are protected.
Once a forfeiture proceeding is started, all of your assets could be seized, and your bank accounts frozen while the drug investigation proceeds. Our defense lawyers will act immediately to challenge the government's criminal forfeiture allegations. Call us to learn how we can help you fight the charges.
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