OK. I've got my cannabis. Where can I use it?

Well, that gets tricky. You are not allowed to consume cannabis in public, though our sense of smell tells us that many folks do. If you’re caught and cited, you may face a fine of $100 or more.

Technically, you’re only allowed to consume cannabis in a private space. That could mean your own home, and you're probably fine in your own apartment. However, your landlord may tell you to knock it off or your very unchill neighbor could complain if they smell your dankness.

You might also find your city is home to a variety of private events, such as 420-friendly dinners or parties. Those are fine.

Just as with alcohol, you are definitely not allowed to consume cannabis and drive, so leave your cannabis packaged and put away until you get home.

If you've got big plans to go camping and get high under the stars, be advised that you're not necessarily protected from federal prosecution on federal land. A ranger at Joshua Tree National Park told Tribune News Service that they would only issue a citation if other drugs were found, though they will confiscate cannabis. Other parks might not be so lenient, though. If what you’re consuming is in an inconspicuous edible form, however...

Can I get cannabis delivered?

Yes, you can! For some time, cannabis delivery depended on if your area allowed it -- but in January of 2019, new states rules went into effect allowing cannabis delivery throughout the state, even in places where it was previously banned. While some exceptions include public and federal land, schools, and day care centers, your house or apartment is probably fine.



Of course, all the same rules still apply to delivery. You'll need to be aged 21+ to buy, and may have to upload your ID to the delivery service's platform as well as show it to the driver when you receive your order. (Delivery company Eaze notes that a passport will work most of the time, but in Santa Clara County, customers must present their U.S. driver's license or ID card to be scanned.) Additionally, you cannot have someone else receive your delivery: the person who placed the order must be the person who accepts it. And just like with ordering a pizza, don't forget to tip!

Can I open my own dispensary?

It would be very difficult and very costly for you to do that, so we wouldn't recommend it unless you're extremely serious. You might want to try getting a job as a budtender first, just to see if it's the sort of thing you're into.

Am I protected from employee drug tests?

Sadly, no. Whether your employee is OK with cannabis use or not is entirely up to them, even if you are a medical marijuana patient.

Can I take cannabis on a plane?

According to federal law, cannabis is still illegal. However, TSA's priority is not finding the nug you're taking with you on vacation. In a statement provided to Thrillist, TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon said:

“TSA’s focus is on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers. TSA’s screening procedures, which are governed by federal law, are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. As has always been the case, if during the security screening procedures an officer discovers an item that may violate the law, TSA refers the matter to law enforcement. Law enforcement officials determine whether to initiate a criminal investigation.”

Local law enforcement, assuming what you've got is under the state limit, may at worst decide that you need to toss it. Both the LAPD and Orange County Sheriff's Department indicated to USA Today that they were pretty unconcerned about a little weed. Still, if you're just flying from, say, LA to San Francisco or Denver, it might be more fun to visit a local dispensary once you've landed. If you’re flying into or out of a state where marijuana is illegal, you may wish to exercise greater caution. Check out our comprehensive guide to sneaking weed on a plane for even more info and tips.

Is there a particular reason to buy marijuana on 4/20 and not, say, 4/21?

You can buy it whenever you like, but many dispensaries will be having parties. Browner noted that both AAHSWEHO and her other dispensary, OG Collective in Cathedral City, are among them. After you’ve figured out what adult-use dispensaries are in your area, check out their websites or social media pages to see if they’ve got anything planned.