Costa Mesa is one of the most friendly places you will find for cannabis consumption. However, as someone who wants to  consume safely, knowing the local laws is the smart thing to do. While California may have opened the gates for adult-use cannabis years ago, every city plays by its own rules. Costa Mesa is no exception. When purchasing your product as a Costa Mesa dispensary, they will come in hand.

Recreational Use Is Legal

Adults 21 and older can legally purchase, possess, and use cannabis in Costa Mesa. But don’t get carried away. You’re allowed up to 28.5 grams of flour or 8 grams of concentrate. If you go above those numbers, you’re no longer in the land of legal.

However, smoking in public isn’t allowed. This means that parks, sidewalks, beaches and even hotel balconies are off-limits. The safest bet is to keep it inside your private residence. Dispensaries won’t bail you out if you get slapped with a citation for lighting up outside.

Costa Mesa Dispensaries Are Now Fully Licensed

For a while, locals had to drive to Santa Ana for dispensaries. But this has changed. Now, Costa Mesa dispensary doors are open and legal. Retail storefronts and delivery services are up and running, which are fully licensed, tax-paying and rule abiding.

But you won’t find them on every corner. The city’s been selective about permits and zoning. So don’t expect a row of shops on your morning coffee run.

Rules for Tourists

If you are visiting, you must know that while cannabis is legal in the state, it is not at the airport, on planes or in most other states. That means your stash stays behind. TSA might not actively search for it, but they will turn you over to the airport police if they do find it. The same goes for rental cars. Smoke-free vehicles apply to cannabis, too.

Driving Under the Influence

Cannabis and driving don’t mix, even if you’re just the “passenger holding it.” It’s illegal to have an open container of cannabis in your car unless it is locked in the trunk. THis applies, even if it is from a sealed purchase earlier that day.

Tread Carefully if You are Growing at Home

California allows adults to grow up to six plants per household for personal use. Sounds simple, but Costa Mesa adds some local layers. You will need to keep those plants indoors, out of public view, and secured. Outdoor growing is not allowed.

Renting also doesn’t give you a green pass to grow. If you think growing means fewer visits to your local Costa Mesa dispensary. Home grows take time, patience, and more effort than most expect.

Conclusion

Cannabis in Costa Mesa is legal, but structured. Locals can enjoy legal access. Visitors can check things out with a few rules in mind. For those interested, it is important to stay within the lines and do not assume what is okay in other states works the same here.