California Law Center
Green Guide California
California at a glance
- Program
- Medical + adult use
- Legal allotment
- 8 oz possession · 6 plants
- Qualifying conditions
- 10 listed conditions
- Out-of-state cards
- Not accepted
The figures above are re-checked against California's official program sources every month.
Official ProgramCalifornia's medical cannabis program is overseen by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), established by the Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). Patients with a serious medical condition may obtain a written recommendation from a physician and apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) through their county. California also permits adult-use cannabis. Qualified patients may possess up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis and cultivate up to 6 mature or 12 immature plants.
Laws of California
Every law and official source for California, each linked to the page that publishes it.
Official California cannabis law & rulesLicensed places in California
38 licensed places are on record in {name} — licensed shops, consumption lounges, cannabis clubs and cannabis-friendly venues.
- Solful Cannabis Dispensary — San Francisco
- Flore Dispensary — San Francisco
- Russian Hill Cannabis Club — San Francisco
Key Rules
Possession
Qualified patients may possess up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis and cultivate up to 6 mature or 12 immature plants (or more if recommended by a physician).
Transportation
Cannabis must be in a closed container and stored out of reach of the driver during transport.
Employment
California law provides limited employment protections for medical cannabis patients. Consult an attorney for your situation.
Travel
Cannabis may not be taken across state lines. Doing so violates federal law.
Renewal
MMIC cards are valid for one year and must be renewed annually through the county health department.
Qualifying Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I possess?
Up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis and up to 6 mature / 12 immature plants (more if physician-recommended).
Can I grow my own?
Yes — up to 6 mature or 12 immature plants under the medical program.
Is recreational use also legal?
Yes, adults 21+ may possess and purchase cannabis; the medical card offers tax savings and higher limits.
California community board
California community board
New Testing and Packaging Rules Set for 2027
California has enacted new laws expanding the Department of Cannabis Control's testing authority and requiring retailers to provide certificates of analysis upon request. The updated regulations also introduce stricter packaging and labeling guidelines for edibles and beverages. How important is access to detailed lab testing results when choosing your medicine?
California Seizes $230 Million in Illicit Cannabis
State authorities have seized over 139,000 pounds of illegal cannabis this year to protect the regulated market and public safety. The enforcement effort targets unlicensed operations that threaten the environment and legal dispensaries. Have you noticed a difference in product quality when shopping at licensed dispensaries?
Upcoming Webinar on Cannabis and the Environment
The California Lawyers Association is hosting a virtual webinar on November 9th exploring the intersection of cannabis cultivation, environmental impacts, and the state's regulatory landscape. This educational session aims to shed light on how environmental rules shape the cannabis supply chain. What environmental practices are most important to you when choosing your cannabis medicine?