In November 2016, Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) was passed. Starting January 1, 2018, adults 21 years of age or older can legally grow, possess, and use cannabis for non-medicinal purposes, with certain restrictions. In addition, beginning on January 1, 2018, AUMA makes it legal to sell and distribute cannabis through a regulated business. However, the legalizing of cannabis in California does not change federal rules and has no bearing on the Department of Transportation’s regulated drug testing program.  As stated in the DOT Office Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance Notice, "The Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40 – does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason." To read the full DOT Drug and Alcohol Policy Notice, click here. 

 

There are also restrictions on who can transport cannabis. California BPC Section 26070 (b) states, ""The transportation of cannabis and cannabis products shall only be conducted by persons holding a distributor licenses under this division or employees of those persons." Under this law, any person engaged in the act of transporting cannabis or cannabis products would be required to hold a distributor licenses and comply with all of the requirements for that license. For more questions, contact the Bureau of Cannabis Control at bcc@dca.ca.gov