Tulare County

Tulare County is located in California’s Central Valley area with Fresno to the north. The county is known for its many natural attractions, among them Sequoia National Park, and portions of Kings Canyon National Park, and Mount Whitney. During the 2010 census, the population of Tulare County was estimated at about 442,179, which is a significant increase from the 2000 population of 368,021. The seat of Tulare County is Visalia.

Tulare County and Marijuana Laws

As with most counties in California, possession of marijuana in Tulare County has been decriminalized for small amounts. The currently enforced cut-off limit for possession is 28.5 grams, below which the offense is only a civil infraction. This involves a fine of $100. However, possession of marijuana in amounts exceeding 28.5 grams is an arrestable offense for which the offender may get a 6-month jail term and have to pay a $500 fine.

The cultivation and processing of marijuana is illegal in Tulare County, unless it is done by certain exempted individuals. The only individuals who can cultivate and process marijuana in Tulare County are patients that have been approved for medical marijuana use by a licensed physician or the caregivers of such patients. The legal allowable limit for medical marijuana patients is 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants and 8 ounces of bud, with the same amount applicable for caregivers for every patient in his or her care. All other individuals are forbidden from cultivation and processing marijuana, and they face a possible 16-month prison term if found guilty.

As with most other counties in California, the sale of marijuana is illegal in Tulare. This is a felony offense that carries a possible 2- to 4-year prison term. However, if the marijuana is sold to a minor, the sentence jumps up to 3 to 5 years regardless of the amount of marijuana that was sold.