Weed dispensaries in Downtown, El Monte

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Weed dispensaries in Downtown, El Monte

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Visiting a Dispensary in Los Angeles, CA

Famous for its beaches, laidback lifestyle, and Hollywood scene, Los Angeles is the perfect place for culture, outdoor living, and easy access to cannabis. It’s legal to use marijuana for recreational or medical needs in Los Angeles, and dispensaries are plentiful across the city’s numerous neighborhoods. 

The Lowdown on Los Angeles Cannabis Laws

Both medical and recreational use of cannabis is legal in Los Angeles. California was the first to legalize medical marijuana with the Compassionate Use Act of 1994. In 2016, the state made recreational use legal with The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, Proposition 64. 

Recreational Cannabis Laws in Los Angeles

In the city of Los Angeles, it’s legal for residents 21 years or older with a valid ID to:

  • Buy or possess up to one ounce, (28.5 grams) of cannabis 

  • Buy or possess up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis

  • Buy from a California Bureau of Cannabis Control-licensed dispensary in Los Angeles 

  • Give up to one ounce of cannabis to another person over the age of 21 (although they cannot receive money for it or any other form of compensation)

Medical Cannabis Laws in Los Angeles

Individuals who wish to use medical marijuana have the option of obtaining a medical cannabis card to do so. Medical licenses are available for the treatment and support of conditions such as:

  • Chronic pain

  • Arthritis 

  • Glaucoma

  • Cancer

  • Migraines 

  • Other serious and life-threatening conditions 

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Los Angeles

A Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) is available through the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. Those applying for an MMIC will need to:

  • Complete an application on the health department’s website

  • Provide a physician’s statement outlining the need for the card under the Compassionate Care Act (which must include the doctor’s full name, license number, and contact information)

  • Provide formal identification and proof of residence in the county

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Los Angeles

The use of cannabis on personal property is permitted. It’s not legal to use, smoke, or vape cannabis in any public place, or in any location that does not allow the use of tobacco products. Property owners also have the right to limit the use or possession of cannabis in any facility.

It’s illegal to use cannabis within 1,000 feet of any daycare center, youth center, or school while children are on the property. It’s also illegal to consume or possess marijuana on any federal lands, including those within national parks in Los Angeles. Employers can prohibit the use of the product by their employees. 

How to Buy Cannabis at a Los Angeles Dispensary

It’s possible to purchase from any Los Angeles dispensary licensed by the California Bureau of Cannabis Control. The city makes it very easy to purchase cannabis from a dispensary, with hours generally from 10am-10pm (with some open later), and many offering delivery and pickup services. 

Cannabis Taxes in Los Angeles

Cannabis taxes can get a little complicated in Los Angeles. (For a quick check, the LA Times put together a very handy calculator.)

For recreational marijuana, purchases include a 34.5% sales tax of:

  • 15% Excise tax

  • 10% City tax

  • 9.5% Sales tax

Note that some cities in the LA area (including West Hollywood) have additional taxes.

For medical marijuana with an MMIC, purchases include a 29.5% sales tax of:

  • 15% Excise tax

  • 9.5% Sales tax

  • 5% City Tax

For medical marijuana without an MMIC, but with a doctor’s recommendation, purchases include a 20% sales tax of:

  • 15% Excise tax

  • 5% City Tax

For cannabis purchases, taxes collected go to a combination of regulatory and research costs, anti-drug programs targeting children, environmental programs, and public safety.