By Michael Armijo

Since Proposition 64 passed a few months ago in the Nov 2016 Presidential election, many Californians have assumed that all sales and use of marijuana have become legal. They have not, but the confusion lies in the fact that only PART has kicked in immediately. The recreational sales of the law aren’t legal until next year. There is a lot of confusion over what’s legal and what isn’t.
“When Prop. 64 passed, all the personal rights kicked in the next day,” said Brooke E. Staggs, a reporter with The Cannifornian, a California-based marijuana information site, according to an ABC7 online report. “That means anyone 21 and over can have up to an ounce of marijuana. You can grow up to 6 plants per home. But what did not become legal overnight was selling marijuana.”

Although state law has approved sales and possession, some cities have banned dispensaries and sales all together, which they do have a constitutional right to do so.

At this time , the City of Chino and Chino Hills, permissive zoning regulations, prohibits all commercial activity related to marijuana, whether it be focused toward medical, recreational or any other non-medical purpose, and  that all cultivation, processing,  delivery of marijuana and all marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in all zones and specific plan areas throughout the city. Ordinance No. 305 explains the ban of commercial marijuana activity. The City of Eastvale has a zero tolerance policy and has taken action to crack down on pot growing houses. Recently we have seen a dramatic drop in discovery of these illegal activities. Riverside Sheriff has reminded property owners, landlords and renters that growing or selling marijuana for profit still remains illegal in the state of California.  To read more refer to your cities municipal code online.

Staggs said a lot of dispensaries that were selling marijuana for medical use have now begun selling it recreationally, even though they shouldn’t be. Some of them are allowing people to just walk in, show proof of age and make a purchase.
But the state isn’t expected to hand out business licenses for recreational marijuana until January 2018, she said. It is expected to involve detailed regulations and permit requirements, so those looking to get into the business should start studying now, she advised.
In the meantime, to legally purchase now you still need a medical marijuana card. But someone with a card can legally give up to 1 ounce of marijuana for free, she noted. And people can grow the plants at home as well.