Recreational cannabis will not be available for sale in California until, at the earliest, January 1, 2018, and perhaps later. Up to then you will need a medical recommendation to purchase cannabis. After the recreational sales begin, when you obtain a cannabis recommendation you may be able to purchase more specific types of cannabis that are not available on the recreations side. If you register with the state, you will also be exempt from paying the 9.5% state tax that recreational users must pay.
Perry Solomon, MD
