Marijuana may be legal recreationally in California, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get arrested. The laws are changing and shifting, and it’s crucial to know exactly how it works.
This legal shift has changed the way that marijuana is viewed and addressed by the authorities. Simple possession for recreational or medical purposes is legal for almost everyone. But there are still ways that an arrest could happen, and it’s important for people to understand this fact so that they don’t accidentally make mistakes that violate the law. Below are a few examples.
Sharing with someone who is underage
Marijuana may be legal, but it is only legal for those who are 21 years old and older. It can’t be purchased by those who are underage, and someone who shares with an underage individual could also be criminally liable.
Crossing state lines
Even though the state may have legalized marijuana, the federal government has not. This means that taking products out of the state could violate the laws in other states, and it could also violate federal marijuana laws when crossing state lines, leading to an arrest.
Making unauthorized sales
It is true that there are many legitimate businesses operating as marijuana dispensaries, and that these products can now legally be sold. But there are also many steps that businesses have to take to get the proper permits, licenses and registrations. Someone who is making unauthorized sales could still face arrest.
An arrest on marijuana charges can have severe ramifications. Anyone who is facing charges needs to understand what legal defense options they have at their disposal.