Is it Legal to Grow Weed in California?

If you're looking for a career change, you may have wondered at some point whether it is legal to grow weed in California. But before you become a drug dealer or open a cannabis club, it's probably a good idea to become familiar with the marijuana laws.

To start off, it is illegal to grow or sell weed for recreational use. This is true even in California. So discard the rumors that you can legally grow one or two marijuana plants or grow weed for your own personal use. If you cultivate any weed, and it is intended for recreational use, you just committed a felony.

But while there are strict laws against recreational marijuana growing, it may be legal to grow weed in California for medicinal purposes.

Generally, medical patients and their designated primary caregivers may legally possess and cultivate marijuana if they have a physician's recommendation or approval. Typically, the individual patient can only grow marijuana plants for his or her own use and there are limits on how much you can grow.

So before investing in a massive pot farm, know that the state threshold is 6 mature or 12 immature plants per patient. Though cities and counties may pass laws allowing higher allowances.

In addition, patient "cooperatives" or "collectives" are allowed to grow, distribute, and sell medicinal marijuana on a strictly non-profit basis to their members. Designated primary caregivers may charge patients for their labor and services in providing the marijuana to their patients on a limited basis.

While it may be legal to grow weed in California for medicinal purposes, you may want to still check in with an attorney to make sure you comply with all the legal requirements.

Related Resources:

• Advice for Medicinal Marijuana Providers (California NORML)
• Medical Marijuana - An Overview (FindLaw)
• Legal to Grow Weed in a Rental Unit? (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life)