California Recreational Cannabis Laws
Purchasing & consumption rules for adults 21+.
Informational only — not legal advice. Cannabis laws change frequently; verify current rules with the official sources linked below before relying on this page.
Last verified: 2026-08-28
California Cannabis Laws — Quick Facts
Status
Recreational legal · since 2016 (Proposition 64)
Min. Age
21
Home Grow
Yes
Source: official state guidance · Facts verified 2026-08-28 · Effective 2026-01-01
Residents & out-of-state visitors
Adult-use cannabis: adults 21 and older
State residents
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- Per day: up to 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
- Public possession limit
- 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
Out-of-state visitors
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- Per day: up to 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
- Public possession limit
- 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
Sources: Official state guidance · Reviewed 2026-09-09
Purchase and possession limits are different. Limits apply within this state; do not carry cannabis across state lines. Medical programs may have separate rules.
Find dispensary listings in California
1,058 directory listings across 241 cities.
Browse all California dispensaries →1. Status & Authority
- Legal Since: 2016 (Proposition 64)
- Governing Agency: Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)
- Statute/Citation: Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA)
- Medical Exists: Yes
- Retail Sales Operational: Yes
2. Who Can Purchase
- Minimum Age: 21
- ID Requirements: Valid government-issued photo ID
- State residents: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Resident vs. Out-of-State/Visitor: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Purchase & Possession Limits
- Resident purchase: Per day: up to 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
- Visitor purchase: Per day: up to 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
- Resident public possession: 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
- Visitor public possession: 28.5 g non-concentrated cannabis and 8 g concentrate, including concentrate in cannabis products.
4. Where & How to Buy
- Dispensaries: Licensed retail storefronts.
- Delivery & Online: Delivery is legal statewide, even into municipalities that have banned physical retail storefronts. Online ordering is available for pickup or delivery.
- Consumption Lounges: Permitted in local municipalities that authorize them (e.g., West Hollywood, San Francisco).
- Local Opt-Outs: Local cities and counties can ban physical cannabis businesses, but they cannot prevent deliveries traversing their roads or delivering to residents.
5. Taxes & Payment
- Excise Tax: 15% excise tax on retail sales.
- Sales Tax: Standard state sales tax (7.25%) plus local district taxes.
- Local Tax: Municipalities frequently impose additional local business taxes.
- Payment: Primarily cash and cashless ATMs.
6. Consumption Rules
- Permitted Locations: Private property (unless banned by landlord) and licensed consumption lounges.
- Prohibited Locations: Public places (parks, sidewalks, restaurants). Within 1,000 feet of a school or youth center while children are present.
- Vehicles/Open Container: Illegal to consume in a vehicle. Open container laws mandate that cannabis be in a sealed container or stored in the trunk.
- Landlord/Employer: Landlords may prohibit use on premises. Employers can enforce drug-free workplace policies.
7. Home Cultivation
- Allowed: Yes
- Plant Count Limits: Up to 6 plants per residence.
- Household Caps: The 6-plant limit is per residence, not per person. Must be grown indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space, not visible from public view.
8. Penalties
- Over-Limit Possession: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $500 fine for adults.
- Public Consumption: Infraction, typically a fine of $100 ($250 if near a school).
- Sale to Minors: Felony offense.
- DUI Thresholds: Impairment based. No "per se" blood-THC limit; prosecutors must prove impairment via officer observation and testing.
9. Sources
- Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) (Accessed: 2026-07-12)