Moving to Cali?

[StephenMcTowlie]

Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the proper forum for this question, but since I'm motivated by concern for my security etc, here it is. Anyway, my wife and I have started thinking about moving to California to escape the prohibitionist attitudes of the east coast. We've been growing for about a year now, and we truly love it. It's the most satisfying thing I've done in a long time (except getting married) and I plan to keep growing for the rest of my life. There is only one downside, which is that we have to lie to all of our close friends, and the paranoia is a real pain in the nards sometimes. I'm sick and tired of feeling like a criminal for doing something I know to be harmless. I know that Cali still has conflicts with the Feds and whatnot, but we're both yearning to be part of a community that accepts cannabis as a gift to humankind, and it seems like the Cali is as close as it gets in this country. So my question is, where should we go? It's one big ass state. What's the most weed friendly place to be? Somewhere we can be open about our lifestyle without fear of punishment? We're not rich, just working class folks looking to live in peace and grow our own medicine. How much $$ should we have saved up before making the plunge? I don't know much about the cost of living, but people say it's a bit higher than we're used to. Basically I'm just trying to get a feel for the place, to kind of develop a strategy for moving, hopefully within a year. Anybody who wants to chime in, please do. I'd really appreciate any experiences you all can share.

thanks,

 

[thcbear]

hey bro
ca is a big place with lots of micro and macro habitats. prices vary place to place. mountains to oceans to cities and rural as well. think about what suits you make a choice and then do some research on goolge or whatever to figure out the prices and markets.
good luck
da bear

 

[zeeba amoeba]

My guess is that wherever you choose to go in Cali, probably other smokers have gone there too. I would say basically anywhere in the state. But it's also true that you can find smoke in any town, coast to coast. Sometimes people think its dry where they're at, but actually one just needs to get out and socialize to find the right ppl.

I am particularly partial to the Bay area but you might also find there's too much competition there.

 

[StephenMcTowlie]

right on. thanks guys. we're still in the very early planning stages. my wife's friend lived in Arcada, and gave it the ole thumbs up. It really depends on where we can get jobs, afford to live, etc. good to know that weed is pretty much cool statewide. and if I have to worry about dry spells, it means i'm slipping as a grower

 

[whodi]

ha.. arcada.. heard they are getting busted liek crazy.

go to maine. near augusta or portland.. it's a lil cheaper around augusta.. south, maine near portland (saco, maine - few min. from portland))is close to the beach/light houses etc.. lil mroe expensive. can rent a nice 2-3 bedroom house for around $900 a month (check craigslist)

it's 97% white population if you care about that. it's a small state with a small population so you can buy land for cheap.. good investment. maine is a very unique place. it's like they are their own union up there.

oh .... and the laws are great.

 

[Orangecrush]

One of my friends was out in Boulder, Colorado for awhile and said they too are very pro-marijuana. I think they might be a little cheaper than California as well.

 

[del...]

maine is a beautiful state (same for montana) but those winters...brrr! colorado, california, nevada, oregon are all worth checking out but you'll also have to look at your career and what's needed where. las vegas is still going strong, economy-wise and has a cheaper cost of living while pretty much on the cali pay scale and is fairly easy to get licensed if you're a meduser and growing in the desert can bring in some monster plants right there in your own backyard!

 

[thegreenweaver]

As a former east coaster myself, I think you'll really like California. If you do move, make sure you get your SB 215 doctor's recommendation so you can grow legally.

As far as where, I am partial to Northern California. But like others have said, you will have to figure that out based on your situation and wants.

 

[NorCalFor20]

nor cal is a lower cost of living and more weed tolerant unless you are growing commerical that is another story, if you want to grow under 99 or less plants your ok but that includes - mothers,clones"rooted or unrooted", vegging plants, flowering plants... etc so make sure you don't go over that number or the feds will mess with you. Technically you can grow 198 plants since its you and your wife but you will have a hard time proving that in court so stick to 99 total that should be enough for you and your wife, You have to have a doctors reccomendation that says you need a certin amount. Also check http://www.safeaccessnow.net/countyguidelines.htm for county by county guidlines, I think oakland is the only place that is still unlimited.... the rest have anywhere from 6 plants limit to 25 so check out that list, but your doctor can say if you need more- those are the minimum amounts. so don't pick where you want to live based on guidelines pick it based on where you want to live.... peace

 

[Mrs.Babba]

SB420 is no longer valid, there are no real guidelines now, its up to your doc what you can have, I'm sure they will introduce another bill before too long, but right now there are no limits. Altho we still are staying under the old guidelines just to be safe[or as safe as you can be dealing with leo]

 

[Storm Crow]

You 'n me both, Mrs. Babba! I'm being quiet as a mouse for now, until they get things sorted out.

And, Stephen, there are places friendlier towards cannabis than Siskiyou county. But FYI, a 3 bedroom place runs about $800-$1,000 per month. One with 10 acres was $1,200 if I remember rightly.

Granny

 

[Guest]

Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the proper forum for this question, but since I'm motivated by concern for my security etc, here it is. Anyway, my wife and I have started thinking about moving to California to escape the prohibitionist attitudes of the east coast. We've been growing for about a year now, and we truly love it. It's the most satisfying thing I've done in a long time (except getting married) and I plan to keep growing for the rest of my life. There is only one downside, which is that we have to lie to all of our close friends, and the paranoia is a real pain in the nards sometimes. I'm sick and tired of feeling like a criminal for doing something I know to be harmless. I know that Cali still has conflicts with the Feds and whatnot, but we're both yearning to be part of a community that accepts cannabis as a gift to humankind, and it seems like the Cali is as close as it gets in this country. So my question is, where should we go? It's one big ass state. What's the most weed friendly place to be? Somewhere we can be open about our lifestyle without fear of punishment? We're not rich, just working class folks looking to live in peace and grow our own medicine. How much $$ should we have saved up before making the plunge? I don't know much about the cost of living, but people say it's a bit higher than we're used to. Basically I'm just trying to get a feel for the place, to kind of develop a strategy for moving, hopefully within a year. Anybody who wants to chime in, please do. I'd really appreciate any experiences you all can share.

thanks,

I did what you are planning on doing in the future...I would say, depending on how light you travel, and how much stuff you have, bring a minimun of $15k. I came out here with far less and had to struggle.

I've met and lived with crazy people, one who made me tear down a 1000w grow, 2 weeks after the flip. Lost vehicles for no insurance, ect.... Had I planned further ahead, and brought more money, I'd be growing right now. As it stands, I'm about 4-5 months out from having the cash to get a place, equipment, and seeds (more)....

I say do it, but do it right. I've lost much time dicking around with the day to day hassles that come up, rather than getting my grow going. That said, it's beautiful up here, which is where you want to be. Sonoma or Mendo counties are where it's at.

 

[EasyBakeIndica]

SB420 is no longer valid

SB420 is still valid. (link) Only the plant/weight limits were ruled unconstitutional.