CALIFORNIA · CANNABIS
Cannabis
Cannabis laws in California (1970)
Permitted
Summary
Recreational use legal for adults 21+. Possession limits apply.
Notable
Public consumption of cannabis is a $100 fine even where it's legal to possess; smoking within 1,000 feet of a school during operating hours is a misdemeanor regardless of where you bought it.
Penalties
Cannabis is permitted in California — but the limits and penalties still bite. See exactly what crosses the line.
Exceptions & nuances
Even where cannabis is permitted in California, location, conduct, and possession rules still apply. See the exceptions that matter.
Statute
Read the exact California statute covering cannabis — the citation when you want to verify the source.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code §11362.3; Cal. Health & Safety Code §11362.79
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