{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/california/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2501-markdown","title":"Recreational Marijuana Is Going Legal Soon—What’s the Latest? ","slug":"recreational-marijuana-is-going-legal-soonwhats-the-latest","content":"In just a few days, California becomes the next state to legalize recreational cannabis. Big changes are afoot. Are you ready? Here are some pointers on how to navigate the 2018 cannabis landscape. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\n### Will My Dispensary Be Open on January 1? \n\nOn Dec. 14, California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) distributed its first temporary commercial cannabis licenses to several dozen retailers, distributors, microbusinesses and laboratories, with a promise of more licenses to be issued daily. Licensed dispensaries can provide recreational cannabis to adults 21 years of age and older with valid identification beginning Jan. 1, 2018. \n\nThe harsh reality is that [most cities aren’t ready for legalization](http://www.greenstate.com/explained/when-can-i-buy-legal-weed-in-california/). Many counties are still fleshing out their regulations and want all rules in place before permitting recreational sales. Because of this, chances are high that your dispensary will be open to medical marijuana patients but may not be ready to serve recreational users. \n\nRELATED: [WILL CALIFORNIA BE READY FOR RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a259069100a820006562eb6/will-california-be-ready-for-recreational-marijuana)\n\n### My Dispensary’s Been in Business for Years. Why Does It Need a State License? \n\nStarting in January, all canna-businesses including dispensaries will be required to comply with complex regulations addressing how medicine is grown, produced, tested, transported and packaged. These are important considerations for everyone, but especially for medical marijuana patients who depend on clean, tested medicine to maintain optimum health. Lawmakers hope a regulated cannabis industry will improve the quality, consistency and safety of cannabis products.  \n\n### How Do I Know if My Dispensary Is Licensed? \n\nThe BCC is posting a regularly updated [list of licensed marijuana businesses](https://aca5.accela.com/bcc/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=Licenses&ShowMyPermitList=N). You can search by street name and city, or to view all licenses, try searching dates between Dec. 15, 2017 and Jan. 2, 2018.\n\nCheck the [cannabis laws in your city](http://projects.sfchronicle.com/2017/embed-pot-lookup/) to keep abreast with what’s happening in your neighborhood. Be patient as your dispensary adjusts to—as a means of complying with—the many new rules that are going into effect as of Jan. 1.\n\n### Why Remain a Medical Marijuana Patient When Recreational Cannabis Becomes Legal? \n\nFor over 20 years, [Proposition 215 has allowed medical marijuana patients to purchase and possess as much cannabis as you need](http://www.canorml.org/news/what_will_be_legal_and_what_wont_after_Prop_64) for your medical use. Those statutes don’t change with the enactment of Proposition 64. \n\nThe rules for recreational users, however, are much stricter. Proposition 64 limits recreational users to obtaining, transporting or giving away no more than 1 ounce of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. This is another reason to keep your medical marijuana recommendation or obtain one before the end of the year.\n\nIf you’re between 18 and 20 years of age, you won’t be allowed to purchase recreational cannabis until you’re 21. If you’re under 21 and already have a recommendation, you’ll be able to purchase medical cannabis on and after Jan. 1, even if recreational users can’t.\n\n### Is Anything Changing With Marijuana Edibles? \n\nYes. Parents and youth advocates were concerned that some cannabis edibles looked too much like candy and not enough like medicine. Others felt some products contained excessively high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), posing risks to the public. Proposition 64 addressed these concerns by creating new standards for edibles.\n\nIn January, say farewell to those “medibles” shaped like animals or cartoon characters. They’ll probably reappear, redesigned in a different shape and sold in distinctly different, “child-unfriendly” packaging. \n\nServing sizes are changing dramatically, with all edibles capped at 100 milligrams of THC per package. Items like [chocolate bars must be scored into 10-milligram-sized serving pieces](http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/11/17/californias-new-cannabis-rules-no-drone-deliveries-or-pot-laced-shrimp/), and products must be blended in such a way that THC and other cannabinoids are mixed equally throughout the product.\n\nDispensaries will have a grace period during which they can offer the last of their pre-2018 inventory to patients. In 2018, certain items specifically produced for patients, such as tinctures, may contain a higher THC content. Those will only be available to patients. If there’s a product you know will be sun-setting in January due to these changes, now’s the time to stock up. \n\n### Brace Yourselves. The Price of Cannabis Is Going Up—Way Up for Rec Consumers \n\nLet’s face it, one reason Proposition 64 passed was because lawmakers were eager for the tax revenues generated from the multibillion-dollar cannabis industry. For example, cultivators must now pay the state a tax of $9.25 per ounce of cannabis flowers and $2.75 per ounce of cannabis leaves—just two of the regulatory costs soon to be passed on to consumers.\n\nIn January, cannabis consumers will pay a 15% state excise tax to retailers, in addition to hefty local taxes. _Fortune Magazine_ estimates that in some communities, recreational users could see as much as a [70% increase in cannabis prices](http://fortune.com/2017/11/06/california-marijuana-tax/) come January. The _LA Times_ notes that a $35 purchase of quality cannabis flowers could jump to as much as $70, leaving patients suffering from sticker shock in advance of legalization.\n\n### I’m All for Taxing Cannabis, but Is There a Way to Reduce My Expenses? \n\nYes. [Your city’s sales and use taxes will be waived](http://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/news/17-28.htm) at your dispensary if you possess a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) issued by the California Department of Public Health. \n\nThe sales and use tax waiver applies to retail sales of medicinal cannabis products, which includes flowers, concentrates, edibles and topicals. \n\n### Is This MMIC the Same as My Doctor’s Recommendation? \n\nNo. The MMIC is issued by the California Department of Public Health. The MMIC is obtained only at your County Public Health Department—not through your doctor or evaluation center. \n\nThere’s a fee for the MMIC, but Proposition 64 requires that counties cap fees for the MMIC at $100. Discounts are available for qualifying low-income patients. If you rely on more than a few grams of flowers per year, investing in the MMIC will bring immediate cost savings and bolster your legal standing as a medical marijuana patient. A current doctor’s recommendation is required to qualify for the MMIC—another reason to keep or obtain your cannabis recommendation.\n\nIt’s important to note that an MMIC isn’t required to purchase medical marijuana at a dispensary.\n\nVisit the California Health Department’s [MMIC FAQ page](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/MMP-FAQS.aspx?PagePreview=true) for more information. Call your [county office](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/County-Program-and-Hours.aspx) to ask questions about its MMIC application and to make an appointment. \n\n### Your Marijuana To-Do List \n\nKeep your recommendation or get one before the end of the year. \n\nYour recommendation:\n \n* Guarantees access to your dispensary, regardless of whether it has received a recreational license.\n\n* Allows you to possess the amount of cannabis products recommended by your doctor. \n\n* Exempts you from sale and use taxes on cannabis products when paired with a state Medical Marijuana Identification Card.\n\n* Enables you to purchase certain products only available to medical cannabis patients. \n\n* Allows 18-to-20-year-olds to access dispensary services as a medical marijuana patient. Recreational users must be 21 or older.\n\nPhoto credit: [Sean Oldham](https://unsplash.com/@seanosaur)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/14b42/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg","srcSet":"/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/f836f/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg 200w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/2244e/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg 400w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/14b42/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg 800w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/47498/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg 1200w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/0e329/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg 1600w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/bbb10/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.jpg 3228w","srcWebp":"/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/58556/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/61e93/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp 200w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/1f5c5/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp 400w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/58556/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp 800w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/99238/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp 1200w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/7c22d/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp 1600w,\n/static/62c60c09b76a0eee1d1d69d9b0dec6a4/0f8c5/5e47841244437578f0f77a7a7756a707.webp 3228w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2460-markdown","title":"Will California Be Ready for Recreational Marijuana?","slug":"will-california-be-ready-for-recreational-marijuana","content":"As 2017 draws to a close, millions of Californians are anticipating the rollout of Proposition 64: the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). Prop 64 would make it legal for any adult 21 or older to purchase marijuana and cannabis products. \n\nBut that assumes that this previously unregulated, multibillion-dollar industry will be fully operational under all of the new complex regulations come January 1, 2018—less than a month away. \n\nAnd it won’t. At least not completely.\n\n### Does This Mean I Still Need a Medical Marijuana Card?\n\nAll over the state, people are asking the same questions: \n* Following legalization, will I still need my medical marijuana card? \n* If I don’t have a doctor’s medical marijuana recommendation, should I bother getting one since legalization is just around the corner? \n\nThe answer to both of those questions is a resounding “yes.” If you depend on a trusted supply of cannabis to address health issues, your cannabis recommendation will help to ensure you have uninterrupted access to your medicine during California’s transition to legalization in 2018. \n\nThe expected delays to the full implementation of Prop 64 mean that you won’t be able to walk into your local dispensary on New Year’s Day. The only way to legally purchase cannabis in the vast majority of the state is with a medical marijuana recommendation. So if you don’t already have a medical marijuana card, [get one now](www.hellomd.com). \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What’s the Latest on the New Marijuana Laws & Regulations\n\nCannabis farmers, distributors and entrepreneurs are working overtime to understand and implement more than 250 pages of regulations that cover everything from advertising to the size of cannabis farms. On Nov. 16, California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control, Department of Food and Agriculture, and Department of Public Health released emergency regulations. They submitted these emergency regulations to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which gives the public until Dec. 4 to send in any comments. After the 4th, the OAL will review the regulations and decide on implementation. \n\n### What’s the Realistic Timeline for Recreational Marijuana? \n\nExperts from the cannabis industry including Ca NORML unanimously agree that [the state and most municipalities are woefully unprepared](http://www.canorml.org/news/Recreational_Marijuana_Sales_to_Begin_January_1_in_California) for a Jan. 1 rollout. It’s thought that it could take a minimum of months and possibly years for the regulations to be fully implemented.\n\nRight now, businesses are applying for temporary retail sale licenses. The state isn’t even beginning to process these applications until New Year’s Day. On Jan. 1, cannabis retailers will be anxiously waiting for an email from the state approving their temporary licenses. Once those emails are received, retailers will be permitted to sell recreational marijuana to adults, 21 years of age or older possessing a valid form of identification. \n\n### Cities, Counties Still Formulating Marijuana Legalization Guidelines\n\nThere are 482 cities and localities in California’s 58 counties. Each is making independent decisions regarding the type, number and location of marijuana-related activities within their boundaries. Four nearly adjoining Southern California cities are each adopting completely different regulations regarding cannabis activities, resulting in confusion and uncertainty for consumers.\n\nMost jurisdictions haven’t even completed approving their cannabis regulations. For specific questions, contact your local city and county offices for the latest updates regarding their legalization program. Because we’re less than a month away from January, and there’s still so much uncertainty, the best thing you can do is to keep your cannabis medical recommendation active. If you don’t have one, get one before the end of the year.\n\n### The Supply Chain: Marijuana Legalization’s Weakest Link\n\nCome January, farmers, distributors, retailers and product manufacturers will be required by the State of California to track products to ensure adherence to state and local regulations. Companies that “touch the plant,” such as distributors, will be able to obtain licenses that will enable product to be moved safely, efficiently and legally from one location to another.\n\nSan Diego is one of the first cities in California to finalize their supply chain regulations. Eleven of 17 businesses within the city limits have been approved for operations, creating opportunities for manufacturers and indoor farmers. \n\nHumboldt County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is developing a pilot and software system that will track and trace cannabis from the farm to the retailer. Cultivators will apply a unique, secure stamp to packaged flowers. The stamp will record the size of the plant, strain, the name of the farm and more. As the package moves through the supply chain, the stamp will be scanned by each licensee until it ends up in the hands of the consumer. \n\nThough the development of cannabis supply chains will provide a welcome degree of accountability previously not available to the consumer, this is one of the most daunting tasks faced by cannabis regulators and industry members, and will take considerable time to implement. \n\n### Your Medical Marijuana To-Do List\n\nLegalization is already proving to be messy and challenging. Until the system is operating smoothly, here are some helpful tips:\n\n* If you don’t have a doctor’s medical marijuana recommendation, get one now.\n* If you have a recommendation, check your expiration date and make sure it stays active well into or through 2018.\n* Contact your cannabis dispensary or suppliers, and ask if you'll be able to purchase medicine on Jan. 1.\n* Ask your suppliers if they anticipate any reduction of their inventory.\n* Check with your city and county regarding local guidelines on marijuana legalization.\n\nPhoto credit: [Esteban Lopez](https://unsplash.com/@exxteban)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/14b42/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/f836f/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg 200w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/2244e/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg 400w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/14b42/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg 800w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/47498/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/0e329/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg 1600w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/b85df/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.jpg 3500w","srcWebp":"/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/58556/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/61e93/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp 200w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/1f5c5/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp 400w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/58556/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp 800w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/99238/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp 1200w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/7c22d/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp 1600w,\n/static/2111565872d711b67b96cb69ac6f2fe7/b6f33/8b1b10dddd9b6ee27436ad925213954c.webp 3500w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2365-markdown","title":"California is Not Ready For Legal Marijuana Sales","slug":"california-is-not-ready-for-legal-marijuana-sales","content":"In November 2016, voters in California agreed to make cannabis consumption legal for adults over the age of 21. With Proposition 64 people will no longer be convicted of possessing or gifting (not selling) up to an ounce of marijuana or seven grams of hash. It also gives residents the ability to smoke in the privacy of their homes and grow up to six cannabis plants indoors. Legal recreational marijuana sales in the state are supposed to begin January 1, 2018, prompting many people to wonder if they will need a medical recommendation after this date—the short answer is yes. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Understanding the Difference Between Medical and Adult Use Marijuana\n\nIn states with medical marijuana programs, a medical recommendation must be issued by a licensed physician before you can legally buy cannabis. California voters passed [Prop 215](http://vigarchive.sos.ca.gov/1996/general/pamphlet/215text.htm) in 1996, allowing patients with eligible conditions to be approved for medical cannabis. The ailments that qualify include arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, migraines and “any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities.”\n\nIn states where adult use or recreational cannabis is legal, anyone over the age of 21 with a valid I.D. can purchase marijuana from a licensed dispensary. As long as there are clear rules, regulations and legislation in place, there is no need for a recommendation from a doctor or to carry a medical marijuana card that designates you as a legal consumer. \n\n### Recreational Cannabis in California\n\nWith the passing of Prop 64, California joined Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, Nevada and Washington as states where cannabis is recreationally legal. But unlike these other states, California still has a long way to go—it could take months or even years before Californians can casually walk into a dispensary and purchase cannabis.\n\nDispensaries must acquire licenses from both the state and their city to sell recreational cannabis—but most cities have yet to set up a regulatory framework that decides who gets these permits and who doesn’t. This is compounded by the fact that the state itself has yet to issue its final regulations. A few cities and counties such as Emeryville and Santa Cruz are rushing to set up a licensing infrastructure, but stores in those cities may still not be ready to open up shop by the start of the new year. \n\nMoreover, many dispensaries will only be getting medical licensing, so these dispensaries will always require a recommendation to purchase. Additionally, many counties will only be issuing medical licenses and zero recreational licenses, so residents of those counties will still need a medical card. \n\nCities and counties that will allow recreational sales must hunker down and make explicit permitting guidelines—until then most Californians will still need to rely on the medical marijuana model to legally purchase cannabis. \n\n\nRELATED: [Marijuana is Legal in California: What Happens Next?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/marijuana-is-legal-in-california-what-happens-next)\n\n### How to Get a Medical Recommendation \n\nUntil all the grey areas are cleared up and licenses are issued, California residents will still need a medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis in dispensaries. There are a number of ways to get one—such as visiting a marijuana evaluation center, where a licensed physician will ask about your medical history and need for cannabis before signing a recommendation. An easier way to get a recommendation is online—HelloMD offers convenient [telehealth services](https://www.hellomd.com/talk-to-doctor) seven days a week; California residents can get their recommendations after consulting with a doctor on live, streaming video. After the approval, you can immediately download an electronic version and you’ll be mailed a hardcopy version that can be used at any dispensary in the state.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/14b42/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/f836f/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.jpg 200w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/2244e/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.jpg 400w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/14b42/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.jpg 800w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/47498/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/54ac5/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/58556/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/61e93/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.webp 200w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/1f5c5/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.webp 400w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/58556/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.webp 800w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/99238/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.webp 1200w,\n/static/2269e9cbcdca2c09f59ca3a3259895d0/5e0b8/b4e10977df4c3fcd35174a851be709ee.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2279-markdown","title":"How Much Does Marijuana Cost? It Depends","slug":"how-much-does-marijuana-cost-it-depends","content":"If you live in a state where you can legally purchase cannabis and take a trip to your local dispensary to pick up some flower, you probably have a good idea about how much you plan to spend. That’s assuming you’ve already visited a handful of collectives in your city, are familiar with most of the standard prices for marijuana and understand that even the cost for strains inside the same retail location can have a pretty wide range of prices based on everything from the quality of the product to its popularity among the location’s clientele. Once you step outside of your sphere though, you may find the prices for cannabis products could be very different just one city over.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Marijuana Prices Fluctuate Based on Quality\n\nPricing for marijuana depends on a number of factors and can fluctuate dramatically even between marijuana strains that have been given the same name. In fact, identically named strains from different cultivators often have lots of genomic and phenotypic differences that make them vary in quality and affect the price.\n\nFor example, one grower’s version of [Sour Diesel](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-undefined/sour-diesel) can have a very different genetic profile from another grower’s product. These variances can affect the terpene content and THC/CBD level based on cultivation conditions (i.e., Was it grown indoors or out? Is it organic?) and what season it is—for starters. If you add in the strain’s popularity and where it’s being sold, the pricing scale becomes incredibly subjective.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_YqZcailVg` \n\n### Cannabis Prices Based on Supply, Demand and Taxes\n\nWhereas Colorado has experienced a drop in prices since the legalization of recreational or adult-use cannabis, cannabis prices in Nevada have risen a jaw-dropping 200% since sales began on July 1 in response to the unexpectedly high demand from consumers. Though most of the demand comes from visiting tourists in town for a fun weekend, Nevada’s extreme price hike has had a major impact on a state that’s still struggling to get more cultivation licenses approved to increase the supply that’s available to consumers.\n\nRELATED: [Nevada Runs Out of Marijuana](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5978a911aa0db4002124d9b1/nevada-runs-out-of-marijuana)\n\nState taxes also play a role in the price of cannabis. For example, in California there are 58 counties and 482 municipalities that can add their own regional tax on top of the proposed state tax for cannabis. Those costs are typically passed on to the consumer, which result in higher and variable prices, depending on the county or municipality.\n\n### Can Cannabis Prices Be Standardized?\n\nThough consumers may be looking for a more streamlined and stable pricing structure for cannabis, this may still be much further off in the future—if it comes at all. All of the variances in quality, appearance, plant genetics, cultivation practices, and regional supply and demand make it a challenge to create a systematic pricing structure with clear criteria that makes sense for each state. Add to that the illegal status of marijuana at the federal level; this prevents the needed research and development to create a common standard.\n\nBecause black market dealers are able to bypass regulatory fees and regional taxes that the legal market is faced with, they’re typically able to sell marijuana at lower prices. This means that some consumers will be willing to take the risk of buying cannabis illegally from the black market—and potentially forego quality and selection for better prices.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n\n\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQF/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAe1QqhtIG//EABkQAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMTEP/aAAgBAQABBQImV6cegOWDaz//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAECAQE/AT//xAAeEAABBAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAMQERIhMVFhgf/aAAgBAQAGPwLTdW4fIysg9JvgR//EABoQAQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIQAQMVH/2gAIAQEAAT8hgGjCicM098HDUVemsVco26//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEBAP/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPxA//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAR/9oACAECAQE/EFbb/8QAHBABAQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAMRAhQWHw/9oACAEBAAE/EFDBSkVy6JE+ZeGqfNTXnBiyKO2Tv3g9Z//Z","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/14b42/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/f836f/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/2244e/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 400w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/14b42/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 800w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/47498/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/54ac5/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/58556/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/61e93/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/1f5c5/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 400w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/58556/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 800w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/99238/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 1200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/5e0b8/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2435-markdown","title":"Will California's Innovation Slow: Ask Colorado","slug":"will-californias-innovation-slow-ask-colorado","content":"As far as the cannabis world is concerned, I have front row seats. I live in Colorado, but for the last 2 years have operated (in my capacity at HelloMD) mostly in California. I get to live - and play -  in the evolution of Colorado’s legalization experiment; yet work in and observe Californian’s massive transition from a medical cannabis-only market, to a full-fledged legal marketplace.\r\n\r\n### Colorado Cannabis: Regulation or Innovation?\r\n\r\nUntil recently, my view into the Colorado market was only one of a local consumer. And frankly my experience had been somewhat unremarkable. By this I imply that legalization in Colorado has not felt terribly abnormal, and by many accounts, been quite successful. The numbers support this ($1.2B in 2016 sales; $200M+ in taxes). Furthermore, thousands of jobs were added, entire towns have been rebooted, the state has registered huge upticks in tourism, and on the global stage, Colorado finally has a real home.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nThe consumer experience though, particularly in the first 2 years of implementation, felt unimpressive when compared to what I expected and to what I experienced in California. Retail was mostly uninspiring, the product choice and packaging struck me as stale in spots, and for an industry moving through such uncharted waters, innovation just felt lacking.\r\n\r\nBut recently, as HelloMD has turned its attention to national and global markets, I began scratching below the surface in Colorado. All is not what it seems here. To better understand this, I met with the leaders and founders of three highly reputed dispensary groups in Colorado - Groundswell, GoodChem and Lightshade. And while I started by intimating they look to California to benchmark future innovation (spoken like a true Californian of course), I quickly understood that in this case, the tables are squarely turned the other way. It’s California, and its slew of green-rush entrepreneurs, that must understand Colorado’s journey to be prepare for the future.\r\n\r\n### California vs. Colorado: Similar but Different\r\n\r\nThe sheer determination of these Colorado cannabis entrepreneurs is what struck me the most. To be clear, in each case, that determination is paying off. All have survived the highs and lows of the legalization tornado and are looking optimistically ahead. Yet, perhaps like 3-4 years from now in California, the battle that is running a cannabis company in Colorado never really seems to cease.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [3 MARIJUANA MYTHS BUSTED](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/3-marijuana-myths-busted)\r\n\r\nIt was also fascinating to hear how similarly the Colorado and California markets have acted at various stages of legalization. And, as I listened to stories of how these companies grew up, it also became clear why the consumer experience was less inspiring than I hoped for (and perhaps why it paled in comparison to California's). Ultimately, what I heard painted a picture of what could happen to California going forward.\r\n\r\n### Pre-Legalization Colorado: A Lot Like California Today. \r\n\r\n>Colorado was for some time a medical-only but very fast growing market\r\n\r\n>Growth capital was hard to come by\r\n>Innovation at the product and retail level felt pervasice; entrepreneurs felt free to push the boundaries and respond to consumer demand\r\n\r\n>New talent and entrepreneurial spirit flowed rapidly into the market including from outside Colorado\r\n\r\n### Post-Legalization: What California Can Learn from Colorado\r\n\r\n>Packaging decisions became more those of government rather than operators (more than once, product companies have had to unload inventory and start all over to comply to new packaging laws)\r\n\r\n>No longer could entrepreneurs speed new products the market\r\n\r\n>Marketing channels continued to be restrictive, even as capital costs - because of regulation - grew\r\n\r\n>Different regulations for medical and recreational outlets made economies of scale difficult to realize\r\n\r\n>Hiring/training product consultants (bud tenders) continues to be a sore spot yet increasingly a differentiator as maturing consumers demand better service\r\n\r\n>Because of the surge in demand for recreational cannabis, the medical side was left with less identity, forcing entrepreneurs to re-imaging how to serve both sides of the market. \r\n\r\n>The social stigma around cannabis, while much improved, is far from gone\r\n\r\n### What's Next for California?\r\n\r\nIn a nutshell, regulatory constraints choked innovation in ways not always obvious to the consumer. Yet with 3 years of legalization under their belts, I was encouraged to hear from all that innovation is returning. And I can clearly see this in the stores today. Even the recreational versus medical dilemma seems to be stabilizing at the retail level. All reported a very loyal following for their medical businesses; medical outlets seem increasingly frequented by the very sick seeking alternative solutions, while those looking to address chronic conditions are happy visiting recreational outlets.\r\n \r\nThe last few years have been heady times in the California cannabis industry. A new generation of entrepreneurs has powered the flow of new brands, novel consumptions methods, micro-dosed offerings and have normalized retail experiences. What’s coming next though is unclear. So even if the landscape and market sizes are different, California best do what it can to learn from Colorado’s journey.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/14b42/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.jpg","srcSet":"/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/f836f/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.jpg 200w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/2244e/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.jpg 400w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/14b42/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.jpg 800w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/47498/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.jpg 1200w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/3a12e/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/58556/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/61e93/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.webp 200w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/1f5c5/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.webp 400w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/58556/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.webp 800w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/99238/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.webp 1200w,\n/static/87752baba7463225b47bc18e2c4e6199/b5697/053e6df59853d62af888595d30eb5300.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":2,"currentPage":2,"id":5037,"name":"California","slug":"california","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}