Background
Let’s be Real
California’s connection with cannabis is as legendary as it is complex. But understanding our past is key to creating a better future.
Legislative history
Prop 64 made cannabis legal
But cannabis sales are still illegal in most of California
Proposition 64 passed in 2016, establishing California’s recreational cannabis market. But it included an “opt-in” clause requiring all cities and counties to decide which types of cannabis activity they would allow in their jurisdiction. As a result, the majority of communities still prohibit retail cannabis sales. That means unlicensed dispensaries are the only option in most locations—unbeknownst to most people who assume Prop 64 legalized cannabis sales statewide.
Unlicensed cannabis
Why does this matter?
Unlicensed and unregulated
Many people aren’t aware unlicensed dispensaries exist, while others don’t see an issue with shopping at unlicensed dispensaries. Unfortunately, because these businesses are unlicensed, they aren’t obligated to follow any of the regulations designed to keep consumers, workers, and communities safe.
The Real CA Cannabis campaign was launched by the California Department of Cannabis Control to support licensed cannabis businesses and consumers. The campaign is paid for using funds generated through cannabis sales in California.
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01
Risks to consumers
Cannabis sold at unlicensed dispensaries doesn’t have to meet consumer health standards or safety requirements and has been known to contain harmful toxins, mold, and dangerous bacteria. There’s also no way to verify where these products came from or the condition under which they were made since they aren’t tracked from seed to sale like regulated cannabis is.
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Environmental hazards
Unlicensed cannabis businesses aren’t required to meet environmental standards and have been known to deplete valuable natural resources and contaminate freshwater supplies, some of which feed into local drinking water. These unsafe growing practices harm wildlife and put communities at risk.
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Unreliable labels
The lack of formal testing of cannabis sold at unlicensed dispensaries increases the risk that products are mislabeled with the wrong dose or strain. When you shop at these dispensaries, there’s no way to know for sure what you are getting or what effect it will have.
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Unethical labor practices
Without state oversight or formal labor protections, workers at illegal cannabis operations are subjected to wage theft and unsafe working conditions.
Next steps
The future of cannabis
Building a licensed cannabis market that works for everyone
Real CA Cannabis educates consumers about the importance of purchasing regulated cannabis from licensed dispensaries and makes it easier for people to find them—but education alone will never be enough. Ensuring all consumers have convenient access to licensed cannabis dispensaries must be a statewide priority to promote safe consumption.
News & Resources
Featured stories
A look at the latest
Check out some of the most recent press releases, resources, and news highlights about Real CA Cannabis and the progress of the state’s licensed cannabis industry.
