Cannabis law in Pennsylvania (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanour in Pennsylvania punishable by up to 30 days or a fine of up to $500. Adult-use sales and unregistered growing are not permitted. A medical marijuana programme covers patients with one of the listed serious medical conditions.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Criminal offence [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | No quantity is lawful without a medical marijuana certification. Possession of a small amount for personal use (30 grams of marihuana or 8 grams of hashish) is a misdemeanour punishable by up to 30 days' imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Zero tolerance: no one may drive with any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance or its metabolite in the blood, and marihuana is a Schedule I substance. Driving while impaired by a drug is also an offence. [3] |
Notes
- Some cities have local ordinances treating small-amount possession differently; these were not reviewed. The statute text was read from a copy hosted by the Department of Health, which the copy itself describes as unofficial; the legislature's own site could not be reached.
- Only approved medical marijuana dispensaries may dispense, to certified patients and caregivers in the programme.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health (copy of Act 64 of 1972): The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, Act of April 14, 1972, P.L. 233, No. 64 (copy hosted by the Department of Health, marked unofficial) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: Medical Marijuana Program (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Pennsylvania General Assembly: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802 Driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 November 2024) (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)) |
Pennsylvania and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | Prohibited | Prohibited (medical dispensaries only) | — | Certified patients, 24 conditions | — |
| Delaware | Legal, 21+, within limits | No home growing | Licensed retailers (since Aug 2025) | No use in public areas | Yes, registered patients | Any adult 21+; no residency test |
| Maryland | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes: 2 plants per household | Licensed dispensaries only | Smoking banned in public places | Medical programme (card needed) | Out-of-state adults 21+ may buy |
| New Jersey | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Not allowed | Licensed dispensaries | Allowed where tobacco smoking is | Medicinal Cannabis Programme | Visitors 21+ may buy |
| New York | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | ⚠ Not yet verified | Licensed retail dispensaries | Banned where smoking is banned | Medical cannabis programme | Source silent on visitors |
| Ohio | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Medical programme (qualifying conditions) | No residency rule in the definition |
| West Virginia | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | Prohibited | Prohibited (medical dispensaries only) | — | Certified patients, limited forms | — |
More rules in Pennsylvania
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph; 25 mph local residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (junior licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Pedalcycle · Minimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in 908 · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in 908
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (holding) · Hands-free use: Hands-free; one-button only
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only occupants under 18
- 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: 0.02% (minors)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.