Placer County Cannabis – Is It Legal & Where To Buy 2024

Is Cannabis Cultivation Legal in Placer County?

Cannabis cultivation and other commercial cannabis activities are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Placer County. California legalized medical cannabis in 1996 following voters' approval of the Compassionate Use Act, also referred to as Proposition 215. This makes it legitimate for patients with specific severe medical conditions and recommendations from licensed doctors to use cannabis for medical purposes. Also, the Act permits caregivers or guardians of medical patients to grow cannabis for medical uses. On 8th November 2016, recreational cannabis was legalized in California through the approval of a majority of the state voters of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, also referred to as Proposition 64. The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is in charge of licensing and regulating all commercial cannabis-related activities in California.

In 2017, Placer County adopted a Cannabis Ordinance to regulate cannabis cultivation for personal use only. This Ordinance aligns with Proposition 215 and Proposition 64. Three major cities in Placer County also adopted ordinances to regulate medical and recreational cannabis within their borders. These are Auburn, Colfax, and Roseville. Auburn permits the indoor cultivation of medical marijuana. The Auburn Cannabis Ordinance, also known as the Adult Use and Medical Marijuana Businesses Ordinance, permits the indoor cultivation of cannabis. Colfax adopted Ordinance No. 542 to implement the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulations and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). Colfax rolled out cannabis business application guidelines for qualified individuals.

The Placer County Cannabis Ordinance permits indoor and outdoor cultivation of marijuana for personal use with the following rules:

• Cultivation must be on land with a private residence
• Indoor cultivation is allowed in either home or secured structure
• Cultivating a maximum of six plants
• A maximum of 50 square feet of land for cannabis cultivation
• Growers can only choose to either cultivate indoor or outdoor and not both
• An outdoor cultivation site must be in the same area as the grower's residence
• At least 600 feet must be maintained from any school, library, worship center, and child care center for outdoor cultivation
• A lease contract must be signed with the property owner if intended growers are tenants
• Outdoor cultivation sites must be fenced to prevent public views

Is Cannabis Manufacturing Legal in Placer County?

Placer county prohibits the manufacturing of cannabis products in any form. Per Article 8.10.070, Chapter 8 of the Placer County Code, it is unlawful for any individual to take part in any cannabis-related commercial activity in the unincorporated areas of Placer County.

Is Cannabis Retail Legal in Placer County?

Placer county bans cannabis retail outlets from operating in the unincorporated areas of Placer County. However, medical marijuana dispensaries can sell medical marijuana for qualified patients or caregivers with medical marijuana identity cards in Colfax. Edible cannabis is approved for sale only in Colfax. Other cities such as Roseville, Auburn, Lincoln, and Loomis prohibit commercial cannabis activities in their jurisdictions.

Is Cannabis Delivery Legal in Placer County?

According to Section 8.10.090 of the Placer County Code, cannabis delivery is illegal in the county's unincorporated areas.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Placer County

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is in charge of theMedical Marijuana Identity Card Programme (MMICP) in the state. Qualified patients and caregivers can apply for a medical marijuana identity card in Placer County. Interested persons must provide the following information and documentation to obtain a medical marijuana ID card:

• Proof of residency in Placer County
• Proof of identity
• Written Documentation of Patient's Medical Record duly signed by a state-licensed physician. Medical conditions that can be recommended for a medical marijuana card for patients in Placer County include AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cancer, and cachexia. Others are migraine, chronic pain, glaucoma, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, and severe nausea.
• Completed application form (CDPH 9042)
• Medi-Cal card for applicants renewing their cards
• Non-refundable application fee of $59, payable by cash, check, or debit card. Applicants with Medi-Cal cards will pay a non-refundable fee of $29

Applicants must contact the county's community health office at (530) 889-7158 to schedule an appointment. The office opens Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Applicants should submit completed forms and supporting documentation at:

Community Health

11484 B Avenue

Auburn, CA 95603

How Has Cannabis Legalization Impacted the Economy of Placer County?

As a result of the ban on commercial cannabis activities in Placer County, there is no recorded economic impact of cannabis legalization in the county. Although Colfax, Auburn, and Roseville permit medical and recreational cannabis commercial activities in some capacities, the cities have no record to ascertain the impact of cannabis on Placer County's economy. The available data on the cannabis taxable sales by county published by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) do not include Placer County's data.

The Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Crime Rates in Placer County

ThePlacer County crimes public data shows a decline in 2021 on almost all the listed crimes compared to 2020. However, it is not evident if this is connected to cannabis in the county. Property-related crimes have the highest count in the county, with a total percentage of 42.66% compared to other crimes.