California

Overview

California was the first state to legalize medical cannabis (1996) and has allowed adult-use cannabis since Proposition 64 in 2016. Adults 21+ may possess up to 28.5 grams (about one ounce) of flower and 8 grams of concentrate and may grow up to six plants per residence. The Department of Cannabis Control licenses businesses. Cities and counties can ban or limit storefronts, so retail access varies widely across the state, and many cities still have no licensed shops.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.

What's Legal

Consumption is prohibited in public, near schools, and while driving; licensed consumption lounges are available in some cities.

Possession Limits

1 oz flower; 8g concentrate

Home Growing

Up to 6 plants per private residence

Driving and Cannabis

Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in California, as it is in every state, whether or not the cannabis was obtained legally. Officers may rely on field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, and blood tests, and some states set specific THC limits or zero-tolerance rules. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle and carrying open or unsealed packages where the driver can reach them are commonly prohibited. If you have used cannabis, the safest choice is not to drive.

Crossing State Lines and Federal Law

Taking marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between two states where cannabis is legal, and it may also violate the law of the state you enter. Marijuana is also prohibited on federal land, in national parks, and at airports under TSA jurisdiction. In 2026 the federal government moved FDA-approved products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, but adult-use marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, and rescheduling does not legalize interstate transport. Separate federal changes to the legal definition of hemp take effect in late 2026 and will restrict many intoxicating hemp-derived THC products.

California Cannabis FAQ

Compare California with every other state in our cannabis laws comparison table.

Official Resource

Cannabis laws change often, and limits, penalties, and program rules can differ from what is summarized here. This page is general information, not legal advice. Before you rely on any detail, check the official state source below or consult a licensed attorney in California.