Prop 64 makes it legal for adults to smoke recreational marijuana

Proposition 64, legalizing marijuana, passed statewide with 56% in favor to 44% against. However, Kern County voters predominantly rejected the proposition.

As of today, adults can legally smoke marijuana, but there are restrictions on where it can be consumed. Fines and potential jail time can still occur for possession of excessive amounts, illegal sales, or smoking in places where tobacco is prohibited.

Adults 21 and over can now legally smoke pot in private residences. Licensed dispensaries, where smoking will eventually be permitted, are not expected until 2018. Residents can transport and share up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants at home, which was previously a felony.

Selling marijuana remains illegal, and selling to minors is still a felony with a potential seven-year prison sentence. Driving under the influence of marijuana is also still prohibited. Proposition 64 introduces a 15% tax on retail sales, which will fund research into medical marijuana, develop protocols for impaired driving detection, and study the overall impact of the new law.