California Recreational Cannabis 101: Here’s what you need to know
California is one of the largest and fastest-growing cannabis markets in the United States. It was the very first state to allow the medical use of cannabis in 1996 and twenty years later, also became one of the first to legalize recreational cannabis in 2016.
In other words, whether you are a California resident or a tourist visiting the Golden State, you are able to experience the best of the best the industry has to offer. We have some of the longest-standing medical and recreational dispensaries in California.
For instance, Santa Cruz Naturals has been setting the bar with locally sourced cannabis products in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay regions since 2009.
If you are new to the cannabis scene in California, here’s everything you need to know:
Are cannabis stores legal in California?
Yes! Both recreational and medicinal cannabis dispensaries can be found all over the state of California.
If you are looking to purchase cannabis for medical reasons, you can get a California medical cannabis card with a physician’s recommendation, which will make your purchases exempt from sales and use tax.
However, if you are visiting out of state and are simply looking for a good time on vacation or you are curious about trying cannabis products, you will find recreational, or adult-use, dispensaries across the state as well.
Why do people use cannabis?
There are endless reasons why people choose to use cannabis. Some use it for health and wellness, while others use it more recreationally. For instance, cannabis is (anecdotally) known to:
Boost creativity
Promote relaxation
Stimulate inspiration
Provide energy
Improve focus
And more!
Many people claim that it helps make their daily activities a lot easier. For instance, you may feel that your mundane routines become more exciting or relaxing with cannabis. Or, if the pandemic has made you prone to awkward moments in social settings, you may choose to use small amounts of cannabis (also known as microdosing) before attending gatherings or crowded events.
Why do I have to purchase cannabis from a dispensary?
Sure, not so long ago, you could probably find a way to get your hands on some cannabis at a sketchy corner downtown. However, since the legal market has been established, the industry has become much more refined and, well, legitimate.
Think of a liquor store or a high-end jewelry store. You need to show identification at a liquor store due to the legal regulations around the drinking age. In a jewelry store, everything is secure in glass cases to prevent theft and protect the products.
Similarly, dispensaries have rules and regulations. You must present a valid, government-issued ID at the door and usually again inside the store. Dispensaries in California have to verify your age (21+) and also ensure that you are not purchasing more cannabis than is legally allowed at one dispensary or across multiple stores.
Adults in California can purchase up to 28.5 grams of non-concentrated cannabis and 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. Learn more about what is legal in California on the government website.
When you walk around inside, you’ll notice that you can’t pick up the product and examine it in your hand. (Or maybe you can, but the box is empty…). This is to protect recreational cannabis dispensaries and regulate consumer access to the product.
Long story short: purchasing cannabis from a dispensary ensures that you are getting safe, regulated, and high-quality cannabis.
What can I expect when purchasing cannabis in California?
Similar to other states where cannabis is legal, recreational cannabis in California can be accessed from adult-use dispensaries around the state.
Every brand focuses on different aspects of its retail experience. Some may emphasize education and high-end products, while others prioritize a more inviting and affordable experience.
At Santa Cruz Naturals, we value quality, affordability, customer service, and environmental sustainability. Our inventory is hand-selected with this in mind so that you can explore a variety of cannabis products without feeling too overwhelmed.
All you need to purchase in-store or order ahead online for delivery or pickup is:
A valid, government-issued ID
Cash, debit, or valid payment applications such as Canpay
And yes, it’s really that easy!
What are the best recreational cannabis products in California?
This one is tricky because it’s really up to you! There are so many forms and strains of cannabis products. Each one comes with different benefits and effects, so most cannabis users have a few favorites.
Here’s a crash course into popular strains and different ways to consume cannabis:
Different Ways to Consume Cannabis
You likely have seen a cannabis joint, which is the most popular method of consuming cannabis (also known as smoking flower). In addition to this, there are several other categories available to you:
Flower: The dried buds of the cannabis plant. These come in a seemingly endless variety of strains and are typically rolled into a joint or smoked out of a bong or pipe.
Pre-Roll: Another word for a joint that you don’t have to roll yourself! These come in packages with all the hard work done for you.
Edible: Cookies, brownies, gummies, etc. that are infused with cannabis.
Extract: Also known as concentrates, extracts are made of crystals that cover mature cannabis plants, which are called trichome extractions. This is typically consumed using a vape pen.
Tincture: A bottle of CBD or THC oil with a dropper that can be absorbed directly under the tongue and into the bloodstream.
Topical: Lotions, balms, patches, etc. that are applied to the skin and gradually release CBD or THC into the bloodstream over a prolonged period of time.
Vape: Cartridge pens that heat up dry cannabis flower or CBD oils and create a fast-acting, inhalable vapor.
Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid Cannabis Strains
The cannabis plant has a ton of compounds called cannabinoids, with the two most popular being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). You’ve likely heard of these before because they are usually all over the packaging of cannabis products in dispensaries.
There are some key differences between the two, but the most important thing to remember is that THC produces a “high” effect that most people associate with cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, has a much more subdued effect and is not psychoactive.
In addition to housing cannabinoids, cannabis plants can come in many different strains: mainly indica and sativa.
Indicas are known to produce a more relaxing effect that some liken to a soft hum in the body. This is because indicas are typically lower in THC and higher in CBD. However, everyone experiences cannabis differently so it’s important to note that what one person says about a strain or product type may not match your personal experience with the same thing.
Conversely, sativas tend to have higher THC levels and lower CBD levels, causing a more stereotypical “high”.
Hybrids, as the name sounds, are a cross between the two plant types that produce effects of both indica and sativa.
Buying cannabis in California
Luckily, we live in a time where you can easily find high-quality cannabis products at your fingertips – literally! From the research-based information you need to make an informed decision to finding safe access, recreational dispensaries in California have your satisfaction at the top of mind.
At Santa Cruz Naturals, both our Aptos and Watsonville locations are committed to providing you with locally sourced, low-cost, and commercial-grade fresh cannabis.
We believe the finest quality cannabis is right here in California, which is why our selection includes products from local cannabis growers, connoisseurs, artisans, and small business owners.
Shop our menus online and order ahead for in-store pickup or delivery today.