Friday, March 29, 2024
Home » California Counties » Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County is located in the south of California’s San Francisco Bay. According to the census of 2010, the population of Santa Clara County was approximately 1,781,642. The seat of the county is San Jose, and the county is also known for being the location of Silicon Valley. One of the most affluent communities in the country, Santa Clara is also the most heavily populated Bay Area county.

California State Marijuana Laws Govern Santa Clara County

Santa Clara CountySanta Clara County residents are governed mostly by state marijuana laws. This applies to possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana, for which there are limits with regard to the person and the amounts in question.

Possession

While not entirely legal for the general public, marijuana has largely been decriminalized in Santa Clara County, at least in small amounts. The cut-off is 28.5 grams. Below this limit, possession of marijuana is a mere civil infraction requiring only a $100 fine and no imprisonment. Possession in excess of this limit is an arrestable offense however, which merits a 6-month jail sentence and a $500 fine.

Cultivation

The only individuals allowed to cultivate and process marijuana in Santa Clara County are medical marijuana patients, caregivers of such patients, and operators of legal dispensaries. Medical marijuana patients will first have to consult with a physician, and then secure a marijuana ID card. The limit for a medical marijuana patient is 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants and 8 ounces of bud, which is also the limit for caregivers for every patient under their care. Similar limitations apply to owners of legal dispensaries, which are subject to limitations with regard to the number of patients they can service.

Distribution

The sale of marijuana is illegal in Santa Clara County, unless it is by legal dispensaries. Offenders may be liable for a 2- to 4-year prison sentence, which increases to 3 to 5 years if the marijuana was sold to a minor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest