Cannabis in California

What this means for cannabis in California

California's rules should be read by access type: adult-use status, medical program status, possession limits, home cultivation, and the regulator responsible for current guidance.

• Adult-use access: adult-use cannabis is legalized in 2016, and retail sales started in 2018.
• Medical program: medical cannabis was authorized in 1996; licensed dispensaries are operating, and qualifying-condition rules apply.
• Possession: Adults 21+ can possess up to 1 oz flower, 8g concentrate of cannabis flower.
• Home cultivation: Home cultivation is permitted in California. Plant limit: 6 per adult. 6 plants per residence regardless of occupants
• CBD context: CBD is legal in California. Higher-THC products are available with the appropriate license.
• Regulator to verify: Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).
• State note: Prop 215 (1996) first medical. Prop 64 (2016) recreational. Largest US market.

Recreational Use in California

Recreational use is legal in California since 2016. Adults can possess up to 1 oz flower, 8g concentrate. Retail sales began in 2018.

Adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis from licensed retailers in California. Sales are regulated by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). All product sold by licensed retailers is lab-tested for potency and contaminants. Identification is required at purchase.

Medical Cannabis in California

Medical cannabis is legal in California since 1996. Licensed dispensaries are operating.

Patients enrolled in the California program must meet state-specified qualifying conditions and obtain a registry card from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Program rules cover possession amounts, caregiver designations, and reciprocity with out-of-state cards.

Home Cultivation

Home cultivation is permitted in California. Plant limit: 6 per adult. 6 plants per residence regardless of occupants

Hemp-Derived CBD

CBD is legal in California. Higher-THC products are available with the appropriate license.

Hemp-derived CBD products with THC at or below 0.3% are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. State rules add their own restrictions on labeling, lab testing, and retail. See the CBD page for California.

Dr. Greenthumb's in California

We operate 4 licensed dispensaries in California. Each carries our full lineup — flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, and concentrates — and all product is lab-tested and compliant with Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) requirements.

• Dr. Greenthumb's San Diego / La Mesa — La Mesa, CALicense C10-0000422-LIC
• Dr. Greenthumb's San Fernando Valley — Canoga Park, CALicense C10-0001519-LIC
• Dr. Greenthumb's Santa Maria — Orcutt, CALicense C10-0001502-LIC
• Dr. Greenthumb's Fresno — Fresno, CALicense C10-0001101-LIC

Cannabis by City in California

City-specific guides covering local dispensary access, ordinances, and community context.

Cannabis Questions in California

Sources & Verification

This page uses Dr. Greenthumb's current state dataset for California, including the listed regulator: Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). It is informational, not legal advice, and should be checked against current state guidance before buying or operating.