LAPD spells out rules governing legal pot and enforcement

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Recreational marijuana could be sold in Los Angeles as early as Monday and the Los Angeles Police Department has a message for Angelenos.

"Purchasing and consuming marijuana has to be done in a responsible, lawful way" Assistant Chief Michel Moore said in a press conference Tuesday.

The department outlined the laws and regulations surrounding the recreational purchase, possession and consumption of pot products.

Many are similar to the rules governing alcohol.

-- You have to be 21 to purchase and consume recreational pot products.

-- You cannot consume these products in a public space or business.

-- When transporting marijuana it must be in a container in your trunk.

-- You can posses 28.5 grams of flower or 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.

-- You can grow up to 6 plants.

"The department will pay close attention to illegal consumption of this product, using this product in a vehicle and the illegal sale to minors of this product," Moore said.

Restrictions for retailers will be extensive. Shops not in compliance could be fined or shut down.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation, businesses will be required to complete an application process and will be continually checked to ensure compliance.

The city recognizes this is uncharted territory. Los Angeles is the largest jurisdiction to take this head-on and says it will not rush the process.