What You Need to Know about Cannabis Use in Mammoth Lakes

January 26, 2023

Recreational cannabis use has been legal in the state of California since 2018, when the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act took effect. If you're 21 or older, you can legally buy cannabis at licensed dispensaries in Mammoth Lakes and use it on private property where the owner allows it.

You can't use it in public or on federal land, which includes Mammoth Mountain and most of the trails and backcountry around town. If you're planning a trip from out of state, or curious about specific policies in Mammoth Lakes, read on for a quick recap of California's rules and regulations around legal cannabis use, as well as where to purchase cannabis legally in Mammoth Lakes.

Quick Facts

  • Legal age: 21+ for recreational use, 18+ with a valid medical card
  • Possession limit: 28.5 grams of cannabis and 8 grams of concentrated cannabis
  • Where you can use it: private property, with the owner's permission
  • Where you can't: public places, vehicles, and federal land, including Mammoth Mountain, Inyo National Forest and national parks
  • Where to buy: state-licensed dispensaries in Mammoth Lakes, many with local delivery

The Legalities around Cannabis Use in California

California's cannabis laws apply everywhere in the state, but a few of them matter even more in a mountain town surrounded by public land.

What's Legal

  • You must be 21+ to buy or possess recreational cannabis. This includes smoking, vaping and eating cannabis-infused products.
  • You must be 18+ with a valid medical card to buy or possess cannabis or cannabis products for medical use.
  • You may possess 28.5 grams of cannabis plant material (about an ounce) and 8 grams of concentrated cannabis (separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from cannabis).
  • You can consume cannabis on private property, but property owners and landlords may ban the use and possession of cannabis on their properties. Most hotels and many vacation rentals in Mammoth Lakes don't allow smoking or vaping, so check the policy when you book your lodging.
  • Only state-licensed establishments may sell retail cannabis products.

What's Not Allowed

  • It is illegal to give or sell retail cannabis to minors.
  • It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis or have an open container of cannabis in the vehicle. If it's not in an approved, sealed container, keep it in the trunk.
  • It is illegal to consume, smoke, eat or vape cannabis in public. It is also illegal to open a package containing cannabis or any cannabis products in public. This includes, but is not limited to, parks, sidewalks, and business and residential areas.
  • It is illegal to consume cannabis in other locations where cigarette smoking is illegal, including bars, restaurants, buildings open to the public, places of employment and areas within 15 feet of doors and ventilation openings.
  • You cannot smoke or vape cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school, day care center or youth center while children are present.
  • It is illegal to take your cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another state where cannabis is legal.
  • You can't bring cannabis on a plane, including flights in and out of Mammoth Yosemite Airport.

Where You Can't Use Cannabis Around Mammoth Lakes

Even though cannabis is legal under California law, you cannot consume or possess cannabis on federal land. That matters more in Mammoth Lakes than almost anywhere else in the state, because federal land surrounds the town.

Federal lands around Mammoth Lakes include Inyo National Forest, which covers Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Lakes Basin and most local trails, as well as Devils Postpile National Monument, Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, and all Bureau of Land Management land. State parks like Bodie State Historic Park are public places, so consumption isn't allowed there either.

If you're looking for more information about California's cannabis laws, check out the state's official California Cannabis Portal or the California Department of Public Health's "Let's Talk Cannabis" site. This guide covers the basics and isn't legal advice.

Cannabis Dispensaries in Mammoth Lakes

Since the passing of the 2018 recreational use law, several cannabis dispensaries have opened in Mammoth Lakes, selling everything from pre-rolls and vape cartridges to lollipops and bath bombs. Each location offers knowledgeable staff to help you find exactly what you're looking for or introduce you to new products.

Ascent

In business since January 2019, Ascent offers a wide selection of premium-quality cannabis products that you can shop for in person or order online for local delivery. Cannabis consultants at Ascent understand the needs of the mountain cannabis consumer and can introduce you to the best products for high altitudes.

Green Mammoth

Established in 2010 solely as a medical dispensary, Green Mammoth was Mammoth Lakes' original cannabis dispensary, as well as the first in the entire Eastern Sierra. With daily deals and weekly specials, Green Mammoth has a little something for everyone. Drop in or order online for local delivery to shop cannabis and CBD products, including a wide variety of concentrates, edibles and vape cartridges.

Mammoth Holistics

Mammoth Holistics opened in November 2020 as the sister store of Torrey Holistics in San Diego, which calls itself the first dispensary in California licensed to sell recreational cannabis. Mammoth Holistics has a deep-rooted commitment to providing the community with superior customer service, science-backed education and sustainably sourced cannabis products.

CBD Products and Services in Mammoth Lakes

Not looking for THC? A few local businesses offer CBD products and treatments on their own.

Smoketree Massage & Apothecary

In addition to getting a CBD medicinal massage at Smoketree Massage & Apothecary that incorporates a variety of CBD products such as salves, sprays and liniments (for anti-anxiety, pain relief and relaxation), you can also purchase these CBD products among a range of other natural, hand-blended remedies. All its CBD products come from certified sources.

Simply Massage & Body Boutique

Another place to book a massage and purchase CBD spa products is Simply Massage & Body Boutique in The Village at Mammoth Lakes. Choose from its own brand of relaxing Lavender CBD Cream or CBD Salve, made here in Mammoth Lakes with a mix of other natural ingredients.

Know Before You Go

Mammoth Lakes sits at nearly 8,000 feet, and altitude affects how your body feels, especially on your first day in town. Take it easy when you arrive, drink plenty of water, and read our high altitude tips before your trip.

FAQ

Is cannabis legal in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes. Adults 21 and older can legally buy and possess cannabis in Mammoth Lakes under California law. You can only use it on private property where the owner allows it, not in public.

Can you smoke cannabis at Mammoth Mountain?

No. Mammoth Mountain operates on Inyo National Forest land, and cannabis possession and use are illegal on federal land, even in California.

Can you use cannabis on trails and in the Lakes Basin?

No. Most trails around Mammoth Lakes, including the Lakes Basin, sit on Inyo National Forest land, where cannabis is illegal under federal law.

Can you smoke cannabis in your hotel room?

Only if your lodging allows it, and most hotels and many vacation rentals in Mammoth Lakes don't. Check the property's policy before you book.

How much cannabis can you buy in California?

Adults 21 and older can possess up to 28.5 grams of cannabis plant material and 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.

Can I bring cannabis from Nevada to Mammoth Lakes?

No. Taking cannabis across state lines is illegal, even between two states where it's legal.

Do dispensaries in Mammoth Lakes deliver?

Yes. Several Mammoth Lakes dispensaries offer online ordering with local delivery or pickup.

Author
Molly Horner
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