| Sale Legality | legal |
| Possession Legality | legal |
| Transport Legality | legal to carry up to 1oz. (28 grams) |
| Cultivation Legality | legal to grow up to six plants for an individual, or commercially with a license |
| Notes | In July 1975, Governor Jerry Brown enacted Senate Bill 95, which reduced the penalty for possession of one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis or less to a citable misdemeanor. On November 5, 1996, California became the first state in the United States to legalize medical marijuana when the voters passed Proposition 215 by 56%. On November 8, 2016, Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, passed by a vote of 57% to 43%, legalizing the sale and distribution of cannabis in both a dry and concentrated form. Adults are allowed to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for recreational use and can grow up to six live plants individually or more commercially with a license. The law and regulations on recreational cannabis went into full effect on January 1, 2018. |
Laws, Limits and Penalties
| Offense | Penalty | Incarceration | Max. Fine |
| Possession | |||
| Personal Use | |||
| Up to 1 oz | No penalty | None | $ 0 |
| 28.5 grams or less, over 18 years, and occurred on school grounds | Misdemeanor | 10 days | $ 500 |
| 28.5 grams or less, under 18 years | Misdemeanor | 10 days* | $ 250 |
| More than 28.5 grams | Misdemeanor | 6 months | $ 500 |
| With Intent to Distribute | |||
| Any amount | Misdemeanor | 6 months | $ 500 |
| *Detention center | |||
| Sale or Delivery | |||
| Any amount | Misdemeanor | 6 months | $ 500 |
| Gift of 28.5 grams or less | No penalty | N/A | $ 100 |
| Over 18 years to an individual 14-17 years | Felony | 3 - 5 years | N/A |
| Over 18 years to an individual under 14 years | Felony | 3 - 7 years | N/A |
| Cultivation | |||
| Up to 6 plants | No penalty | None | $ 0 |
| 6 plants or more | Misdemeanor | 6 months | $ 500 |
| Hash & Concentrates | |||
| Up to 8 g | No penalty | None | $ 0 |
| 8 g or more | Misdemeanor | 6 months | $ 500 |
| Unauthorized manufacture | N/A | 16 months - 3 years | $ 500 |
| Chemical manufacture | N/A | 3 - 7 years | $ 50,000 |
| Paraphernalia | |||
| Sale, delivery, possession with intent, and manufacture with intent | Misdemeanor | 15 days - 6 months | $ 500 |
| Involving a minor at least 3 years junior | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $ 1,000 |
| Forfeiture | |||
| Vehicles and other property may be seized for controlled substance violations. | |||
| Miscellaneous | |||
| Using a minor in the unlawful sale or transport of marijuana is a Felony punishable by 3-7 years imprisonment. Inducing a minor to use marijuana is also a Felony punishable by 3-7 years imprisonment. | |||
| Any violation of the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act results in a fine up to $150. | |||
| A person who participates in the illegal marketing of marijuana is liable for civil damages. | |||
| It is a Misdemeanor to loiter in a public place with the intent to commit certain controlled substances offenses. | |||
| A controlled substance conviction can result in suspension of driving privileges. |
Details
Drugged Driving
This state has a per se drugged driving law enacted. In their strictest form, these laws forbid drivers from operating a motor vehicle if they have a detectable level of an illicit drug or drug metabolite (i.e., compounds produced from chemical changes of a drug in the body, but not necessarily psychoactive themselves) present in their bodily fluids above a specific, state-imposed threshold.
Hemp
This state has an active hemp industry or has authorized research. Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. that contains minimal (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Various parts of the plant can be utilized in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed, and other products. .
Legalization
This state has legalized marijuana for personal use.
Medical Marijuana
This state has medical marijuana laws enacted. Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant and emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors, and are neuroprotective. For more information see: Medical Use.