Nevada County

Nevada County is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in what is known as Mother Lode Country. In the 2010 census, the population of Nevada County was estimated at about 98,764. The seat of the county is Nevada City.

Marijuana’s Legal Status in Nevada County

Individuals allowed to possess, use, and cultivate marijuana in Nevada County are patients that have been advised to take medical marijuana by a licensed physician and their caregivers. These individuals will also have to be issued a marijuana ID card that signifies their legal status. Under Nevada County law, the limit that these individuals may posses is 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants of any size. Alternately, these individuals may cultivate marijuana plants covering a maximum of 75 square feet and a maximum of 2 pounds of bud. Any collective that wishes to provide for the needs of medical marijuana patients will also have to conform to these guidelines and be prepared to supply county law enforcement authorities with patient recommendations for medical marijuana at all times.

Even without conforming to these legal requirements, residents of Nevada County may possess as much as 28.5 grams of marijuana without being charged with a criminal offense. For amounts of 28.5 grams or less, the only offense is a civil infraction, for which the fine is $100.  For possession of amounts greater than 28.5 grams however, the offense is arrestable, and the offender may be liable for a 6-month jail sentence and a $500 fine.

California Law’s Restriction on Marijuana Sales in Nevada County

California marijuana law expressly prohibits the sale of marijuana in Nevada County unless it is by a licensed medical marijuana dispensary. This offense is punishable by a 2- to 4-year prison sentence which is increased to 3 to 5 years if the sale is made to a minor. Offenders under the age of 21 may also have their driver’s license revoked for one year.