Mendocino County

Mendocino County is located in California’s north coast with the San Francisco Bay Area to the south, and the Central Valley to the east. In the 2010 census, the county’s population was estimated at just over 87,800. The seat of Mendocino County is Ukiah.

Mendocino County is known for its picturesque views of the Pacific, majestic Redwood forests, and its flourishing marijuana industry. In fact, it is estimated that more than 33% of the county’s revenue is generated by marijuana cultivation and sales. Mendocino County also has one of the most liberal marijuana policies in the United States.

Mendocino County’s Marijuana Policies

As in many counties in California, possession of marijuana in Mendocino County has been decriminalized, with possession of 28.5 grams or less considered a mere civil infraction, warranting only a $100 fine. However, the penalties for possession of marijuana exceeding 28 grams are considerably harsher, meriting a 6-month jail term and a $500 fine.

In Mendocino County, the cultivation and processing of marijuana is only allowed for patients that have been approved for medical marijuana by a licensed physician or the caregivers of such patients. Even so, these individuals are limited to the cultivation of 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants and processing of 8 ounces of bud. This law is currently in effect in Mendocino County, and follows the guidelines set by California marijuana laws. Anyone found cultivating or processing marijuana without proper authorization is liable to receive a 16-month prison term.

The sale of marijuana in Mendocino County is also illegal unless it is done by an authorized medical marijuana dispensary. Unauthorized selling of marijuana is a felony offense that may result in 2 to 4 years of imprisonment. If the marijuana is sold to a minor, the offense may mean a 3- to 5-year prison sentence, with a one year driver’s license suspension if the offender is under 21.