WELL, IT IS 420. IT IS THE DAY THAT SOME ASSOCIATED WITH CANNABIS. AND AS SOME PREPARE TO PARTICIPATE IN FESTIVITIES, THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CANNABIS CONTROL IS ADVOCATING FOR SAFETY. KCRA 3’S ERIN HEFT JOINS US NOW FROM THE NEWSROOM WITH THEIR MESSAGE. GOOD MORNING. SAFE PRODUCTS FROM LICENSED RETAILERS. THAT’S THE MAIN TAKEAWAY. WHY? BECAUSE THOSE RETAILERS OFTEN OFFER PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED, HAVE ACCURATE LABELING, AND HAVE BEEN TRACKED THROUGH THE STATE’S REGULATORY SYSTEM. BUT IT’S A LITTLE CLOUDY. SO WHERE DO WE START? AND TO HELP FIX THAT, THE STATE HAS A TOOL. THE REAL CALIFORNIA CANNABIS WEBSITE, WITH INFORMATION ON WHERE TO FIND VERIFIED LICENSED RETAIL STORES. THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CANNABIS CONTROL NOTES THAT PRODUCTS AFFECT EACH PERSON VERY DIFFERENTLY BASED ON SEVERAL FACTORS LIKE THC CONTENT. THE METHOD OF CONSUMPTION, AS WELL AS PERSONAL TOLERANCE. THE DEPARTMENT ALSO REITERATING THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE IN BOTH CHILDREN AND PETS. THEY RECOMMEND STORING CANNABIS IN LOCKED, CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINERS, KEEPING CANNABIS IN ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING, RESEALING THAT PACKAGING AFTER EVERY SINGLE USE, AND DISPOSING OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS SECURELY. FINALLY, LET’S SPLIT SOME HAIRS BECAUSE IT DOES GET CONFUSING. CANNABIS IS LEGAL IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, BUT CITIES AND COUNTIES CAN PROHIBIT CANNABIS BUSINESSES, AND AS A RESULT, THE STATE IS A PATCHWORK OF AREAS WHERE IT IS AND IS NOT LEGAL TO ESTABLISH SAID BUSINESS. MAKING A MESSAGE OF BUYING FROM RETAIL CANNABIS BUSINESSES CHALLENGING IN SOME LOCATIONS. TEO. ALL RIGHT. THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, ERIN. YOU CAN FIND A MAP SHOWING WHERE TH
It’s 4/20. What California officials are saying on safety ahead of cannabis consumption
California officials are reminding consumers to put safety first if they choose to participate.
Updated: 8:11 AM PDT Apr 20, 2026
As 4/20 arrives, a date widely associated with cannabis use, California officials are reminding consumers to put safety first if they choose to participate.The California Department of Cannabis Control is encouraging people to buy cannabis only from licensed retailers, saying those businesses offer products that have been tested, accurately labeled and tracked through the state’s regulatory system.For consumers unsure where to begin, the state points to its Real California Cannabis website, which helps people find verified, licensed retail stores in their area.Officials also stress that cannabis affects each person differently depending on factors such as THC content, method of consumption, and personal tolerance. The department is emphasizing the importance of preventing accidental exposure, especially for children and pets.Safety recommendations include storing cannabis in locked, child-resistant containers, keeping products in their original packaging, resealing packages after use, and disposing of cannabis products securely.At the same time, state officials acknowledge that California’s cannabis laws can be confusing. While cannabis is legal in California, cities and counties have the authority to prohibit cannabis businesses, creating a patchwork of communities where licensed retailers are and are not allowed.According to the Department of Cannabis Control, 47% of California cities and counties allow at least one type of cannabis business, while 53% do not allow any cannabis business at all. In addition, 56% of cities and counties do not allow retail cannabis businesses.Consumers looking to see where cannabis businesses are permitted can use the state’s online map through the California Department of Cannabis Control.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
As 4/20 arrives, a date widely associated with cannabis use, California officials are reminding consumers to put safety first if they choose to participate.
The California Department of Cannabis Control is encouraging people to buy cannabis only from licensed retailers, saying those businesses offer products that have been tested, accurately labeled and tracked through the state’s regulatory system.
For consumers unsure where to begin, the state points to its Real California Cannabis website, which helps people find verified, licensed retail stores in their area.
Officials also stress that cannabis affects each person differently depending on factors such as THC content, method of consumption, and personal tolerance. The department is emphasizing the importance of preventing accidental exposure, especially for children and pets.
Safety recommendations include storing cannabis in locked, child-resistant containers, keeping products in their original packaging, resealing packages after use, and disposing of cannabis products securely.
At the same time, state officials acknowledge that California’s cannabis laws can be confusing. While cannabis is legal in California, cities and counties have the authority to prohibit cannabis businesses, creating a patchwork of communities where licensed retailers are and are not allowed.
According to the Department of Cannabis Control, 47% of California cities and counties allow at least one type of cannabis business, while 53% do not allow any cannabis business at all. In addition, 56% of cities and counties do not allow retail cannabis businesses.
Consumers looking to see where cannabis businesses are permitted can use the state’s online map through the California Department of Cannabis Control.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel