OP, I strongly suggest you don't listen to Kaendar's advice...
I've lived in California my entire life, the job market is absolute shit. My sister (20) can't get a job in anything other than sales, she currently works for Ross at just above minimum wage and has applied elsewhere, but nothing in at least a year. The cost of living is absurd, a single room, not even a house or appt. will cost you at least $900-$1,000/month. Add the cost of food ($100), utilities ($200), and you're looking at at least $1,300/month JUST TO PAY BILLS.
I've been considering moving out of CA for a year, it's simply unlivable for your average person. In my mind, I've never had a job where I can successfully support myself living in California. Every single job I've ever had here has limited me to living with someone else. It's impossible to live on your own without a college degree here. If you have a wife or a gf with some kind of skill, you might make it. But if not, it will be a risk. The weed situation is just like anywhere else, it may not be as big, but I've been to other states, really, no difference in the weed culture, the only difference is how well you hide it. Cops are the same, in regards to weed, here as they are anywhere else. If a cop stops you with weed, you're going to get a ticket, that's it. Maybe you'd go to jail in other states, but it's not a 'slap on the wrist' like most people would have you believe, I've spent hundreds of dollars fixing weed fines I've been given (even spent 2 days in jail)..
It's expensive, there are a million fuckin' people, it's hot and dry. There are beautiful people left and right, (dumb as goddamn bricks though), and great food anywhere you go, but to enjoy it, you've pretty much gotta be upper-middle/upper class...