For many people, cannabis culture is a distant memory of the 1970s and 80s, when it was legal but boringly regulated.
During that time, many drug stores and ordinary dispensaries offered limited access to marijuana, typically as an experiment to see if it would catch on. Some did, and these companies became profitable businesses.
Today, there are still limited sellers of marijuana, but they are more regulated than ever. There are also more regulation companies that offer legal access to cannabis, called cannabis-related businesses. These include restaurants and shops that serve things related to or composed of marijuana plants and equipment, vehicles that cater to people looking for recreational or medicinal cannabis experiences, and organizations that support these types of businesses.
This article will discuss some important California landmark museums and companies that offer educational tours on cannabis culture.
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937
The first notable drug-related museum in California is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Med Student Education and Training Center.
This museum focuses on the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which prohibited the sale of cannabis and controlled its production and distribution. It also criminalized possession of cannabis, even in a private home.
The law was passed to control the spread of LSD, which was becoming a trend-setter for new drugs. By placing restrictions on cannabis, authorities could prevent citizens from using drugs in an unregulated way.
This law has had an impact on how museums collect data about cannabis culture in California. Since 1937, over 60 archaeological sites have been destroyed due to the law.
Los Angeles Cannabis Museum
The California Cannabis Museum is a cannabis museum that features exhibits on the drug’s history, medicine uses, industrial uses, and modern uses.
The museum is located in the Historic Crenshaw Boulevard area of Los Angeles, just off Century Drive. It can be visited year-round and features various displays on the drug’s history as medicine and entertainment, plus interactive sections with displays on legal status, medical uses, and contemporary uses.
A tour is available for anyone age 18 and up, so there is no need to come with young adults or children. However, there are some parts of the museum that may be confusing for young people, so we suggest you talk to an adult about what you want to see before you go.
The California Cannabis Museum was created to educate people about the drug and place it in its cultural context. Visiting this cannabis museum will help you do that.
Hollywood Cannabis Museum
While the rest of the country is running off to marijuana-themed haunted houses and events geared towards young audiences, California is curating its own.
The Hollywood Cannabis Museum is a museum geared toward adults, with over 20 displays on all aspects of cannabis culture. Each display features interesting facts and stories about various strains, companies, and events within the community surrounding cannabis.
Many of the features in the museum are free, making it a great way to learn about cannabis without paying. There are also guided tours available if you would like to learn more about cannabis on your own.
Though it can be hard to find at certain times of the year, Vancouver’s Cannabis Cultureuseum is always open for visitors. You do not need to go during a designated event to visit this museum.
The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC)
Held every year in April, the ICBC ceremony celebrates California’s historic cannabis culture. The conference features talks from industry leaders and hosts leading cannabis stars.
The ICBC theme is “understanding the next generation of drug use,” which is a perfect fit for marijuana. Young people are experimenting with drugs at an increasing rate, making now the right time to educate them about CBD and cannabis.
Many speakers at this conference are well-known celebrities such as Dr. Sanjay Gupta Jr., journalist Jacob Siegel, and musician Rick Ross. You can even meet these personalities outside of the conference, as they become common figures in the cannabis community.
Whether they are talking about cannatronics or educating young people on CBD & drug use, these individuals are committed to helping people understand CBD and marijuana.
Iconic cannabis-related landmarks in California
As cannabis culture grows in popularity, landmark-quality cannabis-related facilities are opening up all over the state to commemorate and promote their role in history.
Many of these landmark locations are located in the greater Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. At their most basic level, these museums emphasize the cultural significance of marijuana as an honored plant and its uses throughout history.
Some of these museums include California Department of Health (CDH) Cannabis Museum in Sacramento, California Dept. of Public Health National Cannabis Museum in San Jose, and Berkeley City Hall’s Department of Cannabis Regulation Headquarters Building. All offer engaging exhibits on cannabis culture and its history.
Medical marijuana in California
Medical marijuana is now legal in the state of California, which is another reason to come and visit this region!
There are several medical marijuana dispensaries in California, but only one university course in medical cannabis dispensary management, so it is important to know your area.
The University of California has a track record of awarding degrees in both pharmacy and law school programs for weed, so there are degrees to choose from. Some people choose to become cannabis Dispensary Management students, but there are also self-study options if someone does not want to take a class.
A self-study program can be done by doing some research, going to a class once and practicing on your own, or taking two different courses and combining them into one degree.
Recreational marijuana in California
As a state, California has been trying to get its head around cannabis culture for years. Museums and historic sites are highlighting cannabis landmarks and events to educate the public about this historic drug.
These events are a way for the community to come together and learn about this cultural symbol. Many groups are holding sanctioned pot parties at their venue as a way to gather in one place and learn about this new emerging social norm.
This is such a rich tradition that it will never go away. People will always have an excuse to gather together, so watch out for law enforcement! If you feel like attending a pot party at your locale, there are many safety measures that can be taken.
Marijuana laws by city in California
While there are no legal marijuana laws in most U. S. cities, there are several dispensaries that offer you marijuana in certain cities. Many of these dispensaries have ties to local community centers, making distribution very accessible.
In California, there are several counties that have illegal but tolerated marijuana sales, called Marijuana Enforcement Agencies (MEA). These MEAs exist in areas such as San Francisco and Oakland where both the city and county agree it is important to maintain a safety net for people who need access to cannabis.
These cannabis enforcement agencies target criminal users and businesses, working together with the community to maintain control over their own drug policy.
