There are many ways to buy marijuana in California. If you are 21 or older, you can purchase it at a dispensary for recreational use. You can also grow it yourself at home. If you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase it for medicinal purposes.
But if you are leaving California, it can be tempting to take marijuana with you. You need to be aware that doing so could increase the odds of a drug-related arrest. Even though marijuana is legal in California and has been for some time, leading some people to think of it similarly to alcohol, there are still strict prohibitions that can apply when you leave the state.
The laws in other states
For one thing, if you are going on vacation to another state and you bring marijuana products with you, you are still subject to the laws in that state. Many states still have not legalized recreational marijuana. If you are found with it in your possession, even though you legally purchased it in California, you could still be arrested.
Crossing state lines
Additionally, although the federal government recently changed marijuana’s drug scheduling, it is still federally illegal. As such, if you cross state lines, the federal government can take jurisdiction, and you could find yourself facing charges. Technically, this is even true if you are entering another state with legal recreational marijuana, such as nearby Oregon.
Legal defense options
Have you been arrested on drug-related charges, potentially due to an oversight or a misunderstanding of the law? Take the time to carefully look into all of your legal defense options moving forward.
