Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Ana

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Ana?

Yes. In response to the approval of Proposition 64 in California in November 2016, the Santa Ana CityCouncil started to investigate licensing and regulating the adult-use cannabis retail market. The City Council submitted ordinance number NS-2929 for the first reading on October 17, 2017. The statute was titled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana" creating Chapter 40 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code. On November 9, 2017, the ordinance was presented for a second reading and passed with overwhelming support. Amendments were approved by a vote of 5-0. Cannabis dispensaries have since become legal in Santa Ana.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Ana?

Yes. Proposition 215 legalized medical marijuana in the State of California and permitted the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Although cities in California may restrict the operations of medical cannabis establishments within their jurisdictions, Santa Ana Ordinance NO. NS-2944 allows the establishment of medical marijuana establishments in the city.

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

Yes. You can buy cannabis from online weed dispensaries operating in Santa Ana. Some cannabis dispensaries in Santa Ata offer free delivery to buyers, especially when they purchase above specific cannabis amounts.

Visiting a Dispensary in Santa Ana

If you are visiting a cannabis dispensary in Santa Ana for the first time and have little knowledge of cannabis, you may seek assistance from budtenders employed in the dispensary. Budtenders typically assist with what strains to get and which ones are appropriate for you. You should take along an identification showing you are of legal age (21), or else securities working at the dispensary will stop you from entering the facility.

Santa Ana Dispensary Laws

Santa Ana dispensary laws are contained in Section 18-613 of the City Code of Ordinances. Both adult-use and medicinal cannabis dispensaries may operate in the city. The laws in this section of the city ordinance also apply to medical marijuana collectives. The following are some of the regulations cannabis dispensaries are required to abide by:

• No cannabis dispensary or collective may operate between 11:01 a.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily

• A collective may only dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients and their designated caregivers as defined under Section 11362.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. The patient or caregiver must present an original valid physician's recommendation for medical marijuana use not more than 12 months old

• A collective is prohibited from providing marijuana to any person in an amount not consistent with personal medical use

• No individual under 18 may be permitted to enter a cannabis dispensary or collective unless such an individual is a qualified patient accompanied by the primary caregiver, licensing attending physician, parent, or documented legal guardian

• Marijuana may not be cultivated or grown at collective sites, except that the cuttings of the marijuana plant may be maintained or kept on-site for distribution to qualified patients and primary caregivers

• No recommendations from a physician for medical marijuana may be issued on site

• No sales or consumption of alcohol or tobacco products may occur on-site. No consumption of marijuana may also occur on-site

• A marijuana collective must obtain and maintain a valid Santa Ana Business License

Recreational Laws in Santa Ana

Santa Ana recreational cannabis laws closely mirror the statutes of the California MAUCRSA (Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act). These laws include:

• Adults aged 21 or older may possess, process, obtain, and purchase up to 1 ounce of dry marijuana, up to 8 grams of concentrated marijuana products, and up to 6 plants within a private residence or accessory structure

• It is illegal to smoke or ingest marijuana in public places, including a daycare center, youth center, or school

• It is illegal to engage in outdoor cannabis cultivation

• It is illegal to engage in indoor commercial cannabis cultivation

• Cannabis cultivation by adults at home must be done in a location that is not visible from a public place.

• Marijuana plants cultivated indoors for personal use must be kept within the residence or accessory structure on the same parcel of property

• Commercial cannabis businesses operating in the city must obtain a Regulatory Safety Permit (RSP) specific to the business activity defined by the state pertaining to that activity

• Cannabis deliveries may only occur during regular business hours of a commercial cannabis dispensary

• Cannabis dispensaries may not be located within 1,000 feet of a park, existing residential zones, and schools (K-12)

• Cannabis dispensaries may not be located within 500 feet of another retail cannabis business, except for permitted co-location

Medical Cannabis Laws in Santa Ana

Medical marijuana laws in the City of Santa Ana are adapted from Proposition 215 and the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. Santa Ana residents aged 18 or older can purchase up to 8 ounces of medical cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries. They may also grow up to six cannabis plants indoors for medicinal purposes. Medical cannabis delivery is also legal.

Section 18-611 of the Santa Ana Code of Ordinances permits the establishment of medical marijuana collectives or cooperatives in the city. A medical marijuana collective refers to any location or facility where medical cannabis is made available or distributed by or to:

• A primary caregiver

• A qualified patient or individual with an identification card in strict accordance with Section 11362.5 et.seq. of the California Health and Safety Code

• Section 1-617.01 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code requires that medical marijuana dispensaries and medical marijuana collectives obtain Regulatory Safety Permits to operate in the city legally. Pursuant to the medical marijuana laws in the city, residents may also obtain medical marijuana identification cards which allow them to purchase medical cannabis without having to pay sales taxes on their purchases

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Santa Ana

You can obtain a medical marijuana identification card (MMIC) in the City of Santa Ana by applying to the Orange County Health Care Agency. However, in order for you to be eligible to apply for an MMIC, you must:

• Be aged 18 or older

• Reside in Santa Ana

• Be medically certified as suffering from one or more approved medical conditions. These conditions include AIDS, cancer, migraine, seizure, cachexia, arthritis, and chronic pain

To apply to the Orange County Health Care Agency, you must schedule an appointment with the agency, as walk-in applications are not accepted. You can schedule an appointment by contacting the agency at (714) 480-6717. You can schedule an appointment with the agency between 8:00 a.m. and 12: 00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Take the following to your appointment:

• A completed medical marijuana identification card form

• The original written recommendation from your doctor

• A government-issued photo ID. A California driver's license, the United States Passport, or a Veterans Administration ID Card will suffice

• Proof of residence in Santa Ana

• Application fee. The standard application fee is $84. However, if you show proof as a Medi-Cal beneficiary, you qualify for a 50% reduction in the application fee

The Orange County Health Care Agency is located at:

Office of Vital Records

200 W. Santa Ana Boulevard, Suite 100-B

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 480-6717

Your card will be available within 35 days after the submission of your application. The county agency staff will contact you when the card is ready for pickup.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Santa Ana?

Consuming cannabis in private homes or residences in Santa Ana is legal. Note that multi-unit dwellings do not qualify as private residences. If you live in a rented unit, you must obtain permission from the landlord or property manager before consuming cannabis in such a dwelling.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Santa Ana Dispensary

You can buy cannabis at a Santa Ana dispensary by visiting the location of a retail storefront or purchasing online if the dispensary offers cannabis delivery. Note that a valid photo ID will be required at the dispensary to ensure that you are of legal age before you may purchase weed. If you opt for an online purchase, your ID will also be required to verify your identity as the individual who placed the order and that you qualify to use marijuana.

The Average Price in Santa Ana

The cost of one gram of high-quality recreational weed in Santa Ana is $10, while the same quantity and quality of medical weed cost $15. A quarter ounce of high-quality recreational weed also costs about $40.

Most Popular Strains in Santa Ana

Some of the most popular cannabis strains in Santa Ana are:

• Cherry Pie: Cherry Pie offers deep relaxation and helps users stay active and alert. It has THC levels ranging between 13% and 23%

• White Widow: White Widow has THC levels between 18% and 25% and contains low levels of CBD. White Widow is a top pick for beginner users

• Grandaddy Purple: Grandaddy Purple is an Indica dominant hybrid and a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud. With THC levels of about 23%, Granddaddy Purple offers strong psychoactive effects and induces cerebral euphoria and full-body relaxation

Can You Smoke in Public in Santa Ana?

No. You cannot smoke marijuana in public in the City of Santa Ana. Adults in the city aged 21 or older are permitted to smoke marijuana in a private home or cannabis business approved for on-site consumption. You cannot smoke marijuana at pot shops in the city.

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

Recreational cannabis consumers in the City of Santa Ana can possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower and 8 grams of concentrates, including wax, tinctures, and edibles. Medical marijuana consumers are restricted to 8 ounces of cannabis flower or concentrate, including wax, tinctures, and edibles.

Can I Ship Cannabis in Santa Ana?

With cannabis still considered illegal at the federal level due to its designation as a Schedule I Controlled Substance under the federal Controlled Substance Act, you cannot ship cannabis across state lines into Santa Ana. You are liable to be punished heavily if caught moving cannabis from another state into Santa Ana.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Santa Ana?

Yes, you can order cannabis online in Santa Ana, as several dispensaries offer cannabis sales online and deliver to buyers’ doorsteps. Santa Ana ordinance permits marijuana deliveries only as part of cannabis operations of a brick-and-mortar storefront retailer. Cannabis delivery businesses not part of dispensaries are prohibited from offering cannabis delivery to buyers.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Santa Ana?

Although some cannabis dispensaries in the City of Santa Ana advertise 24-hour dispensary services, Section 40.8 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code stipulates that no licensed cannabis retail business in the city may operate earlier than 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. daily.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Santa Ana?

If you possess a valid government-issued ID proving that you are aged 21 or older, you can visit any recreational weed dispensary in Santa Ana without requiring any other form of ID.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Santa Ana?

You only need to present an ID showing you are 21 or older to purchase recreational cannabis at any dispensary in Santa Ana. However, if you want to buy medical cannabis, you will be required to provide your medical marijuana card or a physician’s recommendation and identification showing that you are 18 or older.

Best Dispensaries in Santa Ana

Some of the best cannabis dispensaries in the City of Santa Ana are:

• The Farmacy

• People's OC

• 420 Central

• The Joint

• Tropicanna Dispensary and Weed Delivery

• From The Earth

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana dispensaries scan IDs only to store certain customer information to ensure compliance with local and state regulations. Customer information is typically kept private and secure.

How Many Dispensaries are in Santa Ana?

The City of Santa Ana Ordinance Number NS-2929 permits up to 30 cannabis retail stores for adult-use cannabis. Santa Ana has 23 open and functioning dispensaries as of April 15, 2021.

Can Dispensaries in Santa Ana Take Credit Cards?

Since federal law prohibits financial banks and credit card businesses from doing business with the cannabis industry, legal pot in Santa Ana is a cash business. Dispensaries in the city do not accept credit cards.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day?

There are restrictions in Santa Ana on the number of weed dispensaries that cannabis consumers may visit in a day. However, dispensaries keep track of the purchases made by each consumer to ensure the stipulated limits under state and local laws are not exceeded.

Do Dispensaries in Santa Ana Take Health Insurance?

No. Buyers must bear the full costs of cannabis purchases as Santa Ana dispensaries do not accept health insurance.

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

Yes. Dispensaries in Santa Ana are required to track how much weed customers purchase in order to ensure that buyers do not exceed the limits stated under California marijuana possession laws.

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

You can only enter a medical weed dispensary in Santa Ana at 18. If you intend to purchase adult-use marijuana, you must be 21 or older before you may be permitted to enter a recreational cannabis dispensary.

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

The Santa Ana Manager's Office is the regulatory authority on cannabis operations and activities in the city.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Santa Ana?

You may report illegal cannabis activities in Santa Ana to the Santa Ana Police Department by filing a complaint online or calling the PD at (714) 245-8600.