Marijuana Dispensaries in Riverside

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Riverside?

Yes. Although Proposition 64 legalizes cannabis in the State of California, the Act permits counties and cities to enact their own laws regarding permitting specific cannabis operations within their jurisdictions. While Riverside previously prohibited commercial cannabis activities within the city limits, it now allows them and has approved a number of dispensaries.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Riverside?

Yes. Chapter 5.77 of the Riverside Municipal Code allows the establishment of cannabis retail stores. Therefore, the city now grants permits for businesses intending to conduct marijuana sales or delivery.

Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in Riverside?

Yes. Dispensaries in Riverside have online stores where shoppers can order weed for home or curbside delivery.

Visiting a Dispensary in Riverside

When visiting a dispensary in Riverside, you should bring along a valid ID confirming your identity and age. In California, dispensaries can only sell adult-use cannabis to individuals aged 21 or older. To buy medical cannabis at a Riverside dispensary, you must be at least 18 and bring along your California medical marijuana card.

Riverside Dispensary Laws

Riverside’s dispensary laws follow closely to California’s requirements for cannabis retailers. In addition to getting a license from the state, a dispensary setting up in Riverside must also obtain the requisite permits from the city.

Recreational Laws in Riverside

Riverside's recreational laws are slightly different from California's broader recreational cannabis laws. The city has enacted an ordinance that allows it to opt out of legalizing specific cannabis operations within its jurisdiction as permitted under California’s cannabis laws. While the state approves the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail sales of cannabis, the City of Riverside prohibits cannabis retail (storefront and delivery), distribution, and manufacturing. However, the city allows cannabis testing establishments to operate in the city.

Per Section 19.342.040 of the City of Riverside Code, residents aged 21 or older may cultivate marijuana (up to six cannabis plants) for personal use but only within their residential structures or other fully enclosed and locked accessory structures located entirely on residential properties owned by them. The cultivation is limited exclusively to the personal use of lawful residents of the properties on which cultivations occur.

Medical Cannabis Laws in Riverside

Riverside's medical marijuana laws prohibit the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. Per Section 19.342.050 of the City of Riverside Code. Residents may not cultivate marijuana outdoors for medical purposes, and any such cultivation must be done indoors. Persons cultivating marijuana for medical purposes may cultivate up to six mature and twelve immature plants as permitted under California's MAUCRSA.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Riverside

You can obtain a medical marijuana card in Riverside if you apply to the Riverside County Department of Public Health. Medical marijuana cards are issued under California's medical marijuana identification card program (MMICP). However, to be eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card, you must:

• Reside in Riverside or Riverside County
• Be aged 18
• Suffer from at least one of the approved medical conditions, such as AIDS, seizures, cachexia, migraine, chronic pain, anorexia, muscle spasms, and cancer

Applications for medical marijuana cards may be completed via mail or by appointments at the Riverside County Department of Public Health. The Department does not permit applications to be completed by walk-ins. Contact the Department at (888) 358-7932 or (951) 358-7932 to schedule an appointment.

In order to complete a medical marijuana card application, the following will be required:

• Completed MMICP application form
• Recommendation Letter signed and dated by your physician within the last 12 months. This recommendation letter must state the medical condition suffered and attest that medical marijuana use is advised. It must carry an original signature of the physician and may be on the business letterhead of the healthcare practitioner. The letter may also be completed on the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) 9044 form
• A copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a State of California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV)-issued identification card or driver’s license. Alternatively, you may submit a Veteran's Administration Card or the United States Passport
• A copy of recent proof-of-residency in a location in Riverside County. The residency proof must be in your name and bear a current physical address in the City of Riverside
• A copy of your Medi-Cal card if you are a beneficiary
• Application fee of $87 or $43.50 if you are a Medi-Cal participant. The application fee is payable by money order or cashier's check made payable to the "County of Riverside." Note that the application fee is non-refundable

The county public health department is located at:

4065 County Circle Drive

2nd Floor Room 207

Riverside, CA 92503

Phone: (888) 358-7932

It may take up to 35 days for your medical marijuana identification card to be ready. The medical marijuana card will be mailed to the address listed on your application. For more information on obtaining a medical marijuana card in Riverside, email the county health department at MMIC@ruhealth.org. If your application for a medical marijuana card is denied, you can appeal the decision to the California Department of Public Health at no additional cost. Be aware that submitting an application for a medical marijuana identification card is mandatory in order to participate in the medical marijuana identification card program in the state of California.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Riverside?

You may only consume cannabis on private properties in Riverside. No consumption may be done out in public view on publicly owned buildings, multi-housing units, workplaces, and federally-owned buildings.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Riverside Dispensary

To buy cannabis at a Riverside dispensary, you must present a valid ID that confirms your identity and age. Medical cannabis buyers need to provide their medical marijuana cards. Riverside dispensaries offering menus comprising many cannabis strains and products. Their employees can also guide you while perusing their menus.

The Average Price in Riverside

The price of cannabis products at Riverside dispensaries varies by strain and portion size. On average, an ounce of high-quality marijuana costs $150 in the city.

Most Popular Strains in Riverside

Gelato and Pineapple OG are some of the most popular cannabis strains in Riverside.

Can You Smoke in Public in Riverside?

No. It is illegal to smoke cannabis in public in Riverside

How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in Riverside?

Per Sections 11362.1 and 11362.2 California Health and Safety Code, adults aged 21 or older in Riverside can possess up to 28.5 grams of cannabis and grow up to six living cannabis plants at home.

Can I Ship Cannabis in Riverside?

Shipping cannabis across state lines into Riverside is illegal as marijuana remains a prohibited substance federally. Hence, moving from another state (even if marijuana is legal in that jurisdiction) into Riverside may attract a jail term and huge fines.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Riverside?

Yes. Dispensaries in Riverside accept online orders and can deliver to shoppers’ addresses.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Riverside?

No. Riverside dispensaries have defined opening hours.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Riverside?

Yes. Tourists may visit Riverside dispensaries to buy recreational cannabis as long as they are 21 or older.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Riverside?

Yes. You must present an ID at the point of sale in a Riverside dispensary.

Best Dispensaries in Riverside

Plant Galaxy, Remedy Room, and The Artist Weed are some of the leading weed dispensaries in Riverside.

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Riverside?

Yes. Dispensaries scan IDs of visitors in Riverside. This is a requirement needed to track sales and record the individuals shopping at these stores.

How Many Dispensaries are in Riverside?

There are at least four weed dispensaries operating within Riverside. Up to 14 cannabis dispensaries are allowed in Riverside.

Can Dispensaries in Riverside Take Credit Cards?

No. Riverside dispensaries do not accept credit cards. All of them accept cash and a few may accept debit cards for purchases.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day?

You can visit any number of weed dispensaries in Riverside in one day but you cannot purchase more than the monthly limit allowed by California cannabis laws.

Do Dispensaries in Riverside Take Health Insurance?

No. Riverside dispensaries are not part of health insurance networks.

Do Dispensaries in Riverside Track How Much Weed You Buy?

Yes. California cannabis laws require dispensaries to track the amounts of weed individuals buy.

Can You Enter a Dispensary in Riverside at Age 18?

Yes. You can enter a Riverside dispensary at the age of 18 to buy medical cannabis as long as you have a valid medical marijuana card.

Where Can I Find Riverside Cannabis Regulator’s Contact Information?

The California Department of Cannabis Control is responsible for regulating cannabis commercial activities in the state. You can find its contact information on its website.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Riverside?

If you notice illegal cannabis activities in Riverside, you may file a complaint to the Narcotic Unit of the Riverside Police Department