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How to Buy Recreational Marijuana in California?

In January of 2018, California legalized the sale of recreational marijuana. And while this is great news for anyone who enjoys a good joint every now and again, it also means that there are some things you need to know before you buy your first bag of weed in California.

How to Buy Recreational Marijuana in California?

Who Can Buy Recreational Marijuana In California?

If you are 21 years of age or older, recreational marijuana can be purchased at a dispensary in California. There is one exception to this rule: anyone under the age of 21 who has a medical card and their accompanying photo identification will also be able to buy recreational cannabis products at dispensaries.


These areas include but aren't limited to transportation infrastructures like airports, train stations, bus stops, etc., correctional facilities, hospitals, or healthcare facilities when prohibited by federal contracts.


This has been done to prevent recreational marijuana from being transported illegally across states lines and out-of-state distribution networks that have not been sanctioned by local or national governments. Recreational cannabis should also not be shared with anyone outside of your household unless they are 21 years old and approved for recreational use at their own discretion; giving recreational weed to minors is illegal under Proposition 64 (Adult Use Marijuana Act).


Purchasing Limits:

Adults who buy recreational marijuana legally will only get 28 grams per visit or eight grams concentrate equivalent within any one transaction to another recreational dispensary. Recreational dispensaries can sell recreational marijuana up to an ounce (28 grams) per transaction and recreational cannabis products of up to eight grams in concentrate form, such as wax or shatter.


Recreational users are allowed to grow six plants for personal use only; however, recreational users may not harvest more than the following amounts each within one calendar year:

  • no more than six living cannabis plants at a time regardless of how many people live on the premises with access to the home where they are being cultivated;

  • all harvested weed must be kept indoors or inside secure structures like greenhouses when it is meant for recreational consumption instead of distribution outside of California’s borders;

  • any recreational user who harvests their recreational weed plants cannot sell any of it outside the recreational dispensary.

Those who violate any recreational marijuana laws will be fined up to $500 or can spend time in jail for six months as well as be subject to other penalties like community service, drug education classes, and more depending on each case’s specifics.


Recreational users may not smoke marijuana anywhere where smoking is prohibited by law like inside an apartment, office building, or restaurant with no outdoor area available; however recreational dispensaries must allow recreational users at least 18 years old over to enter their premises if they are allowed within that recreational dispensary's city limits.


The only exception here is minors who have a medical prescription for cannabis use instead of just buying it recreationally even though adults under 21 without a medical prescription cannot buy recreational weed legally in California.


What Should You Bring When Buying Recreational Marijuana In California?

  • It is important to have your ID on you at all times.

  • Make sure that the recreational marijuana shop can accept debit/credit cards as most do not.

  • Some recreational dispensaries only take cash or ATMs are available for use within their facility. Check dispensaries' hours of operation before visiting them if this concerns you about getting cash beforehand though!


Where Can You Safely Buy Recreational Marijuana In California?

Many recreational marijuana dispensaries are popping up in California. However, it is important to be aware of the laws about recreational cannabis possession and where you can buy recreational cannabis before spending your money on something illegal.


There are many different types of legalities that go into buying recreational cannabis in California. For example, one must have a valid I.D., or else they will not be allowed to enter the dispensary even if they want to purchase weed for recreational purposes only.

There are also some areas within cities that allow dispensaries while others do not so it's best to check with local authorities beforehand either online or over the phone before traveling too far just to find out there isn't anything available nearby at all!


One should always make sure they are purchasing recreational marijuana from a safe and reputable dispensary that is known to only sell weed legally. A lot of dispensaries have their own rules about recreational cannabis so it's important to always ask questions before you buy.


Where Is It Safe To Consume Recreational Marijuana?

It is legal to buy recreational marijuana in California but it may be illegal to consume it. When you are out and about, the safest places to smoke recreational weed are private residences or other privately-owned spaces where smoking tobacco is already permitted indoors.


If this isn’t possible, there are public areas that allow recreational cannabis usage as long as they do not impede pedestrian traffic flow. Such examples include lounges, cafes, bars - even some yoga studios!

Just look for signage indicating “smoking allowed” if you want to light up during your visit. There will also likely be a sectioned-off area of a lounge reserved exclusively for smokers. If all else fails, make sure recreational cannabis use occurs only on private property.


We hope this article has been informative and helpful in your quest to learn more about how to buy recreational marijuana. Whether it’s for medical or personal use, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible when purchasing cannabis from a dispensary. If you have any questions at all, please give us a call anytime! Our team of experts is knowledgeable and will be happy to answer anything that comes up during the purchase process. What are some other things you would like to know? Let us know!

Are You Looking For Cannabis Products You Can Trust?


Dixon Wellness is on a mission to bring safe, affordable, and compassionate access to cannabis to the people of Northern California and beyond. Our products have been lab-tested by independent, state-licensed laboratories so they can be free of any harmful contaminants while ensuring that we keep the cost down for our loyal customers. We are constantly working with credible brands, legacy farmers, and environmentally conscious producers in order to help sustain our community! Dixon’s first and only women-led cannabis resource, we are founded on the pillars of community, compassion, and education. Interested in our products? Check out our online menu or plan your visit today!

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