Possession of Cannabis
As California was one of the first of the fifty states in the US to decriminalize marijuana through the medical marijuana program, there are an awful lot of laws that concern cannabis. These laws are enforced to protect the public from problems with the drug like abuse and illegal possession. While marijuana is legal for medical marijuana patients in California, it is still not legal on a federal level which causes many disputes between federal and state governments. The laws concerning cannabis are always changing as new ideas come into the mix so what might be true today, is not necessarily true tomorrow. Even though it is legal to have small amounts of marijuana for patients, we are still a long way away from achieving the full legality of marijuana. But as long as I can smoke and get high at the end of the day, it’s good enough for me.
The medical marijuana program, while by no means perfect, still puts limitations on things like the amount one can have on the person. For example, possession of an ounce or less of marijuana for non patients is now considered an infraction rather than a misdemeanor. This law was changed in January of 2011 and shows no sign of changing in the near future. Though possession of larger amounts can lead to a fine and jail time, first and second time offenders can request to take a treatment program over jail time. The case will be dismissed upon completion of the program and no one will be any the wiser. Medical marijuana patients are allowed to care for six mature plants and twelve immature plants at a time with a doctor’s recommendation. However, it is important to note that these plants are for cultivating and using only, not for selling.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is one of the biggest problems amongst marijuana users. Some people say that smoking weed doesn’t affect them negatively enough not to drive. But the fact is that marijuana does seriously increase one’s reaction times in critical situations such as driving. This is why it is always important to remember to sober up before you drive, regardless of what substance you have been using. Under the influence is usually interpreted as intoxication to the point of impairment. So while it probably isn’t safe to drive after a couple of bong rips, an officer pulling you over may still let you go if you pass the field sobriety test. It is important to note that any minor charged with a crime concerning marijuana will suffer a one year license suspension regardless of whether or not the offense had anything to do with driving. We must remember that these laws are here for our safety if we are to abide by them willingly.
When driving with marijuana in the vehicle, the amount of weed one has can greatly affect the charges. If the amount is under an ounce, the maximum fine is one hundred dollars and a misdemeanor charge. But over an ounce of pot can net one some serious jail time if discovered. This is because most people consider over an ounce of weed to be way too much for only personal use. Larger amounts of marijuana are often tagged with an intent to sell charge as well. This is especially true if the offender has any paraphernalia related to selling drugs like small baggies, scales, or large amounts of cash. As long as one uses medical marijuana in moderation rather than to flip a quick buck, they should have no problems with the laws that California imposes on the substance.
There are lots of laws concerning marijuana in California because this state has been synonymous with cannabis culture for a long time. If we wish to live and smoke weed in this state, we have to obey the laws that have been laid out before us. Regulating our drug intake is a small price to pay to keep one’s self out of a jail cell or a large fine. With just a little practice in moderation, anyone can work to cut back on smoking marijuana in order to comply with state laws. After all, smoking cannabis is much more rewarding if one keeps it as a treat for the end of the day when all their work is done.
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