Shasta County

Shasta County is located in California’s northern section. It stretches from the northern portion of the Sacramento Valley all the way into the southern portion of the Cascade Range. In the 2010 census, the population of Shasta County was estimated at approximately 177,223. The seat of the county is Redding. The county is known for several tourist attractions including Shasta Lake, Lassen Peak, and the Sundial Bridge.

Shasta County’s Marijuana Laws

Shasta County is subject to the same marijuana laws that govern most counties in California. Under these laws, possession of marijuana is largely decriminalized, at least for small amounts. For possession involving 28.5 grams of marijuana or less, the offender will only be charged with a civil infraction, which warrants only a $100 fine. However, possession in excess of this amount is a criminal offense that may get the offender six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Marijuana cultivation and processing is illegal in Shasta County but there are exceptions. Patients that have been prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor are allowed to cultivate and process limited amounts of marijuana after securing a state-issued marijuana ID card. This allows patients to cultivate and process as much as 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants and 8 ounces or 1.33 pounds of processed bud, with the same limit applicable to caregivers for every patient under their care. Cultivation and processing by other individuals is illegal and may result in a 16-month prison term.

The sale of marijuana is also illegal in Shasta County unless it is done by a legal marijuana dispensary. All other offenders will be charged with felony sale of a controlled substance, which merits a 2- to 4-year jail term. In cases involving the sale of marijuana to a minor, the penalty is a possible 3 to 5 years in prison.