Responsible cannabis use increases your safety and the safety of those around you. This guide offers tips on safe use, understanding THC effects, and more.

Adults 21 or older can possess and consume cannabis in California, while anyone 18 or older can use cannabis if they have a physician’s recommendation or a medical marijuana ID card.

Visit Real California Cannabis to ensure you’re buying from a licensed retailer.

More information on the sources used for this page can be found at the bottom.

Responsible consumption

Your reaction to cannabis may be different from that of others, and can depend on:

• Your body composition and existing tolerance of cannabis or other substances
• The THC content, amount of cannabis consumed, and your consumption method

Edibles and inhalables are common consumption methods for new consumers.

Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused food and drink products, such as brownies, gummies, or iced teas. Your body metabolizes edibles more slowly than inhaled cannabis, taking up to two hours to begin feeling the effects and up to four hours to feel the full effects. Start low, go slow!

Inhalables

Inhalables are products which can be smoked (via pipe, bong, or pre-roll), vaped (via vape cartridge or vape pen), or dabbed (via dab rig or dab pen).

Responsible living

Cannabis consumption can impact your daily life. Keep reading to learn how to promote a safer environment for yourself and those around you.

Employment

Know your workplace’s cannabis policies, as your employer may prohibit you from using cannabis.

Storage

California has strict labeling laws to warn when products contain cannabis, but these products may still be mistaken for regular food or candy.

• Keep cannabis in a sealed child-resistant package when not in use
• Store and dispose of cannabis products where it cannot be easily seen or accessed by children or pets

Equipment and vehicles

Cannabis can impact your ability to drive. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, with the same potential penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Consumption during pregnancy or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should not consume cannabis and should talk to your doctor.

Child safety

Cannabis affects children more than adults, putting them at a higher risk for adverse effects, especially with edibles.

If you suspect a child has consumed cannabis, call California Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.

Pet safety

You should talk to your veterinarian about cannabis for your pets. Cannabis products may include ingredients safe for human consumption but are harmful to animals.

If you suspect a pet has consumed cannabis, contact your veterinarian or call Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Disposal

If you are disposing of a single use cannabis vape, or products that contain a battery, please be aware that they are considered hazardous waste, and are potentially harmful to human health and the environment.

To dispose of hazardous waste, find locations near you.

More information

California Department of Public Health

• Cannabis Poisoning
• Cannabis Safety Measures
• Cannabis Use Disorder
• Health Considerations for People Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
• Health Considerations for Young and Young Adults
• Health Effects
• How Cannabis is Used
• Secondhand Cannabis Smoke
• Vaping Health
• What are THC and CBD?
• Your Guide for Chatting With Your Teen About Cannabis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Marijuana Use and Driving
• Marijuana Use and Pregnancy
• Marijuana Use and Teens
• Mental health

In case of emergency

• California Poison Control: (800) 222-1222
• Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435