Cannabis law in California (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Adults aged 21 or over may possess up to 28.5 g of cannabis or 8 g of concentrate and grow up to 6 plants at home. Cannabis is sold by licensed retailers and cannot be used in public places. A medical route exists with a physician's recommendation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Adults aged 21 or over: up to 28.5 g of non-concentrated cannabis or 8 g of concentrated cannabis. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [2] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [1] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [2] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [1] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Foreigners expressly covered [1] |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 21 years [2] |
| Purchase limit in licensed shopsPersonal use by an adult | A licensed retailer may sell an adult-use customer no more than 28.5 g of non-concentrated cannabis, 8 g of concentrate and 6 immature plants per day. Medicinal patients: up to 8 ounces of dried flower and 12 immature plants per day, or more if the physician recommends it. [3] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Driving under the influence of any drug that affects your ability to drive safely is illegal. There is no fixed THC limit; the legal limits (0.08% and lower) apply to blood alcohol. [4] |
Notes
- The limits come from Proposition 64 as summarised in a 2026 Attorney General opinion; the statute text (Health and Safety Code 11362.1) could not be read directly.
- Cities and counties may add home-grow rules, such as permits or indoor-only growing.
- Commercial sale requires a state licence from the Department of Cannabis Control; local governments decide whether shops may open in their area.
- The Department also says cannabis may not be smoked where tobacco is banned or within 1,000 feet of a school, day-care or youth centre while children are present. Local rules may differ.
- Medicinal users aged 18 or over need a physician's recommendation; the Department's page says medicinal users have higher possession limits but gives no figures.
- The sources read set no residency condition for adults aged 21 or over; they do not discuss out-of-state visitors expressly.
- Adults aged 18 or over with a physician recommendation may buy medicinal cannabis.
Sources
- California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General: Opinion No. 25-102 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Department of Cannabis Control: What's legal - Department of Cannabis Control (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Department of Cannabis Control: Text of regulations (California Code of Regulations, title 4, division 19) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- California Department of Motor Vehicles: California Driver Handbook, Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
California and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Legal, 21+, within limits | Up to 6 plants, 21+ | Licensed retailers | Not in public places | Yes, physician recommendation | Same 21+ rule, no residency test |
| Arizona | Legal for adults 21+ within limits | Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence | Licensed retail stores, 21+ | Smoking banned in public places | Yes: medical programme with dispensaries | Not addressed; no residency condition |
| Nevada | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes if no store within 25 miles | State-licensed stores only | Banned in public places | Medical programme (cardholders) | Out-of-state ID accepted |
| Oregon | Legal for adults 21+ within limits | Up to 4 plants per residence | OLCC-licensed retail stores | No use in public places | Medical programme (OMMP) | — |
More rules in California
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (2-lane undivided)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (state-approved "safe and sane" only) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (safe and sane fireworks)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Dagger only if blade exposed and locked · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade of 2 in or more banned; thumb-stud OK
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.90 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 16+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 16+
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.01% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.