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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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.
The Real Journey
California’s Cannabis Supply Chain
When you purchase cannabis from a licensed retailer, you’re buying a product that has gone through a rigorous, regulated journey. Every step ensures your items meet consumer health standards and safety requirements.
Use our Licensed Retailer Search Tool to find verified retailers in your area and shop with confidence.
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Real from the Root
The Seed-to-Sale Journey Starts Here
Licensed cultivators grow cannabis plants under strict regulations for:
- Water usage and environmental impact
- Pesticide application
- Plant counts and yields
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Harvesting & Processing
From Plant to Product
Once harvested, cannabis flowers are:
- Dried under controlled conditions
- Trimmed to remove excess plant material
- Prepared for either distribution as flower or for manufacturing
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Manufacturing: Creating a Variety of Products
Beyond the Flower
Licensed manufacturers transform raw cannabis into:
- Concentrates and extracts
- Edibles and beverages
- Topicals and tinctures
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Laboratory Testing: The Quality Checkpoint
Rigorous Testing for Safety
Every batch of cannabis product must be tested by a licensed laboratory for:
- Potency (cannabinoid levels)
- Pesticides and heavy metals
- Microbiological contaminants
- Residual solvents (for manufactured products)
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Distribution: The Critical Link
Ensuring Compliance at Every Step
Licensed distributors:
- Transport cannabis between licensees
- Verify products have passed required testing
- Ensure proper packaging and labeling
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Retail: Your Trusted Source
The Final Destination
Licensed retailers provide access to high-quality, regulated cannabis:
- Products must be stored securely
- Sales are limited to adults 21+ or qualified patients
Look for the Real CA Cannabis QR Code at retailers to verify that you’re shopping at a licensed retailer.
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Cannabis Product Recalls: Keeping You Safe
The cannabis recall process is a crucial safety mechanism that ensures potentially unsafe products are removed from the market quickly and efficiently. All recalls of cannabis goods are overseen by the Department of Cannabis Control to ensure that no adulterated or misbranded goods remain available to consumers.
Visit the Cannabis Recall Portal to stay informed about any current recalls or safety notices.
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.
