Medical Marijuana
The Chico Police Department frequently receives requests for service, or initiates investigations, related to possession, cultivation or sales of marijuana. In such circumstances, the police response will be based upon what is actually reported, and the ultimate outcome will be based on what activity is determined to be taking place. In any case where it is determined by officers that a violation of the law is occurring, enforcement action, including citation and/or arrest, as well as seizure of the marijuana, may result.
Based on Proposition 215 – The Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and Senate Bill 420 – The Medical Marijuana Program Act, California law has established certain rights for citizens in California in relation to the cultivation, possession and use of medical marijuana. The Chico Police Department respects these citizen rights and the related laws, but also wishes to insure that medical marijuana is used within the provisions of the law.
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the California Attorney General have established guidelines to assist citizens in complying with these provisions. Click on the links below for additional information. In possession or cultivation cases addressed by the Chico Police Department, officers will make a specific determination as to whether or not the marijuana is being used for medical reasons. If so, they will also make a determination as to whether or not the District Attorney and the Attorney General guidelines are being followed. If they are not, enforcement action may occur.
Butte County
District Attorney Medical Marijuana Guidelines
California Attorney General Medical Marijuana Guidelines
Although use of marijuana is allowed for medical reasons within the indicated guidelines, it is important to understand that there are a number of locations where its use is prohibited by law. They are as follows:
- Anywhere smoking is prohibited by law;
- At or within 1000 feet of a school, recreation center or youth center (unless medical use occurs inside a residence);
- On a school bus;
- In a moving motor vehicle or boat.
For your convenience, the following is a link to a map of the
City of Chico which indicates schools or youth centers where the
use of medical marijuana is prohibited within 1000 feet.
City of Chico Medical Marijuana Map
The following is a closer view of the area near the CSU Chico
campus:
CSUC Medical Marijuana Map