California Marijuana Law
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
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| Other names | Weed, ganja, smoke, Mary Jane, herb, green, etc. |
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| Manufacturer | Marijuana is produced by independent growers |
| Active ingredient | delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) |
| Uses | Used recreationally and as medicine |
| Prop 19 | If Prop 19 passes, the recreational use of marijuana will become legal in the state of California |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Marijuana is legal in the state of California for medicinal purposes, but it is not legal for recreational use. Use or possession of an ounce or less of marijuana for non-medical use is considered an infraction (like a traffic ticket), while larger amounts or illicit distribution are criminal offenses. On October 2010 former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in one of his last acts in office, signed a bill that essentially decriminalized possession of an ounce or less; posession of any amount was a misdemeanor up until then.[1]
In order to legally obtain marijuana, patients must have a qualifying medical condition and the drug must be recommended by a licensed physician.
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About Marijuana
Marijuana is made by drying the flowers and leaves of Cannabis plants. It is used to get "high," as well as to treat various medical conditions (such as nausea and glaucoma). The most common way of ingesting marijuana is by smoking it from a pipe, cigarette (joint) or water pipe (bong). It is also sometimes heated in a vaporizer, and then the vapors inhaled. Some people eat marijuana in baked goods or other foods. The active ingredient in marijuana, which produces the euphoric effect as well as medicinal benefits, is THC. Using marijuana can cause bloodshot eyes, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and an increase in appetite.[2]
California Medical Marijuana
The people and the government of California approved marijuana for medical use in 1996 with the passage of Proposition 215, also called the Compassionate Use Act. In 2003, Proposition 420 was passed to expand upon the original provision and to make clarifications.[3] Marijuana is approved to treat conditions such as HIV and AIDS, wasting syndrome, glaucoma, chronic pain, migraines, multiple sclerosis, seizures, upset stomach and any other malady that hampers the ability to perform everyday functions. Patients must provide proof of residency, proof of identity and a recommendation from a doctor in order to apply for the medical marijuana program.[4]
California Proposition 19 for Recreational Use
Proposition 19 was proposed on the state general election ballot of November, 2010. If the proposition had passed, it would have become legal to use marijuana for recreational purposes in California. In addition, the state would have been able to regulate the marijuana industry and collect taxes on its sale. However, the measure was voted down with 53.5% of the vote, vs. 46.5% in favor.[5]
The outcome of the Prop 19 vote had no effect on medical marijuana laws in California. Residents with qualifying illnesses may still legally purchase, grow and use marijuana in the state.[6]
Prop 19 on Fox News
Also See: Marijuana and Glaucoma, Marijuana and Nausea, Medical Marijuana, Marijuana and Alcohol, Marijuana and Weight
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References
- ↑ http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/marijuana-use-and-its-effects
- ↑ http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/mmp/Pages/Medical%20Marijuana%20Program.aspx
- ↑ http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/MMP/Pages/MMPPatientsRespon.aspx
- ↑ http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_19,_the_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2010)
- ↑ http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/03-04/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_420_bill_20031012_chaptered.html
