Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Cruz

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Cruz?

Yes, there are licensed weed dispensaries in Santa Cruz. While the city allows the establishment of marijuana dispensaries, Section 6.91.030 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code requires every cannabis retailer to hold a valid marijuana retailer license to operate legally within the city boundaries. Adults 21 years and older in Santa Cruz are permitted to patronize licensed recreational marijuana dispensaries in the city under the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), also known as Proposition 64. Cannabis dispensaries are permitted in the Thoroughfare Commercial (C-T), Community Commercial (C-C), General Industrial Performance (IG/PER-2), and General Industrial (I-G) Districts of the city.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Cruz?

Yes, Santa Cruz has medical marijuana dispensaries licensed to sell medical cannabis to persons recommended for cannabis treatment in line with the California Compassionate Use Act. Many medical marijuana dispensaries sprang up across the state following the passage of the Compassionate Use Act, which legalized medical cannabis for patients suffering from certain debilitating health conditions. Conditions eligible for medical cannabis therapy in California include glaucoma, seizures, AIDs, and cancer.

Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in Santa Cruz?

Yes. California marijuana laws permit cannabis consumers statewide, including those in Santa Cruz, to purchase cannabis from online weed dispensaries. However, consumers may only patronize licensed cannabis dispensaries for online purchases, per Section 6.91.170(2) of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code. The City Municipal Code prohibits dispensaries from engaging in online sales of recreational or medical use cannabis unless they have a retailer license.

Typically, any weed dispensaries that offer online cannabis sales in Santa Cruz will maintain an online shop menu on their website where customers can order cannabis products. Customers may choose to have cannabis products purchased online delivered to them or opt to pick them up at the dispensaries' locations.

Visiting a Dispensary in Santa Cruz

The California-licensed marijuana dispensaries in Santa Cruz are open to recreational and medical cannabis users. Under state laws, only adults 21 years and older may visit dispensaries to purchase recreational weed, and they must present valid government-issued IDs as proof of age and identity. On the other hand, qualifying medical cannabis patients must hold their medical marijuana cards or physicians' recommendations when visiting licensed marijuana dispensaries in Santa Cruz.

California marijuana dispensaries only accept cash for cannabis purchases. Hence, make sure to hold a sufficient amount of money when visiting one in Santa Cruz. While at the dispensary, do not hesitate to ask the employees on duty for help or guidance, especially if visiting a weed dispensary for the first time.

Santa Cruz Dispensary Laws

Every marijuana dispensary in Santa Cruz must obtain a cannabis retailer license to operate legally within the city's limits. Per Section 6.91.170 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code, no marijuana dispensary may display or advertise the sale of marijuana products unless it obtains and maintains a valid cannabis retailer license. They must also have a state-issued cannabis retail license because a city cannabis retail license is invalid without a valid California cannabis retail license.

As stipulated in Section 24.12.1320(5) of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code, no marijuana dispensary must be situated within 600 feet of any youth center, school, or daycare center that exists at the time the dispensary obtained the state cannabis retail license. Santa Cruz prohibits the consumption of weed on the premises of licensed marijuana dispensaries in the city. When open to the public, cannabis dispensaries must provide on-site security guards during their operating hours. They must also secure their premises adequately with alarms and lights to protect the premises from theft and ensure the safety of lives.

Recreational Laws in Santa Cruz

The following are some of the recreational marijuana laws in Santa Cruz:

• Santa Cruz prohibits smoking marijuana in public spaces and in places where tobacco smoking is not permitted

• In compliance with California marijuana laws, only persons aged 21 and over can use marijuana for recreational purposes in Santa Cruz. They may cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home for personal use in closed, locked spaces

• Gifting marijuana to individuals under 21 years is prohibited

• Santa Cruz prohibits persons under the influence of cannabis from operating a motor vehicle

• Consuming or possessing marijuana on any federal property in Santa Cruz is unlawful and is considered a federal offense

Medical Cannabis Laws in Santa Cruz

The California Compassionate Use Act permits persons living with certain debilitating conditions in Santa Cruz to use medicinal cannabis to treat/manage their ailments. Qualifying patients must obtain recommendations for medical cannabis from licensed physicians to be able to use cannabis legally. They may cultivate marijuana plants at home, subject to a reasonable limit required by their health conditions. No qualifying patient may use medical marijuana products within 1,000 feet of any school or youth center within the city.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) issues the California medical marijuana card to qualifying patients and caregivers in the City of Santa Cruz. Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program of the county health services agency at (831) 454-3431 or via the Medical Marijuana Request/Comment Form. Before the date of the appointment, an applicant must obtain a Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records or medical recommendation document from their attending physician. The physician will also complete a Physician Attestation Form. In addition to original copies of these two documents, the applicant must also prepare the following:

• A completed Medical Marijuana Program Application Form

• A valid government-issued ID

• Proof of residency in the City of Santa Cruz

• A non-refundable $100 application fee ($50 for Medi-Cal beneficiaries), payable by money order or cash only

The applicant should visit the HSA on the date of the appointment with all the required documents at:

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency

Medical Marijuana Program

1060 Emeline Ave

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Santa Cruz?

Marijuana consumers in Santa Cruz can lawfully use cannabis in their private homes.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Santa Cruz Dispensary

To buy cannabis at any licensed marijuana dispensary in Santa Cruz, a person must visit the dispensary with the following:

• Valid ID (for recreational cannabis consumers)

• Valid physician recommendation or a medical marijuana card (for medical cannabis patients)

• Sufficient cash to purchase cannabis products

The Average Price in Santa Cruz

The average retail price of high-quality cannabis in Santa Cruz is $270 per ounce, depending on the strain.

Most Popular Strains in Santa Cruz

Among the several marijuana strains in Santa Cruz, Gelato, Bubba Kush, Wedding Cake, OG Kush, and Durban Poison are the most popular.

Can You Smoke in Public in Santa Cruz?

No, smoking cannabis in public is illegal in Santa Cruz.

How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in Santa Cruz?

The marijuana possession limit in Santa Cruz depends on its intended use in line with California cannabis laws. Cannabis patients may carry up to 8 ounces of marijuana at once for medical use. Recreational consumers may only possess up to 28 grams of usable cannabis and 8 grams in concentrated forms.

Can I Ship Cannabis in Santa Cruz?

No. Shipping marijuana into Santa Cruz from another state amounts to violating federal law. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance at the federal level and cannot be shipped across state lines.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Santa Cruz?

Yes, ordering cannabis online from licensed marijuana dispensaries is permitted in Santa Cruz.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Santa Cruz?

No. Per Section 24.12.1340 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code, marijuana dispensaries operating within the city's borders may only operate between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Santa Cruz?

While cannabis patients from other states cannot use marijuana dispensaries in Santa Cruz, tourists aged 21 and older can purchase adult-use cannabis from licensed dispensaries in the city.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Santa Cruz?

Yes. A valid ID is required to purchase recreational cannabis at a licensed weed dispensary in Santa Cruz. Similarly, a cannabis patient must present either a valid California-issued medical marijuana card or a physician's recommendation.

Best Dispensaries in Santa Cruz

The best marijuana dispensaries in Santa Cruz include Reefside, Herbal Cruz, and Santa Cruz Flavors.

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Santa Cruz?

Yes. California-licensed cannabis dispensaries in Santa Cruz scan customers' IDs for verification purposes.

How Many Dispensaries are in Santa Cruz?

Currently, Santa Cruz is home to seven California-licensed marijuana dispensaries.

Can Dispensaries in Santa Cruz Take Credit Cards?

Santa Cruz marijuana dispensaries do not take credit cards because of the federal ban on marijuana. Credit card companies are regulated by a federal agency.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day in Santa Cruz?

Marijuana consumers are not restricted on the number of Santa Cruz dispensaries they can visit in one day.

Do Dispensaries in Santa Cruz Take Health Insurance?

No. It is illegal for marijuana dispensaries in Santa Cruz to accept health insurance as a payment method for medical cannabis products.

Do Dispensaries in Santa Cruz Track How Much Weed You Buy?

Yes. In compliance with state law, every licensed weed dispensary in Santa Cruz must employ the California Cannabis Track and Trace (CCTT) system to track how much weed they sell to customers.

Can You Enter a Dispensary in Santa Cruz at Age 18?

Yes. As long as a cannabis patient is 18 and has a physician recommendation or a California-issued medical marijuana card, they can enter any licensed medical cannabis dispensary in Santa Cruz. Recreational cannabis consumers must be at least 21 to purchase marijuana products at licensed dispensaries.

Where Can I Find Santa Cruz Cannabis Regulator’s Contact Information?

The cannabis regulatory agency in Santa Cruz, California's Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), lists its contact information on the department's website for anyone who wishes to reach them.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Santa Cruz?

To report illegal marijuana activities in the City of Santa Cruz, contact the DCC or call the Santa Cruz Police Department at (831) 471-1131.