Yes. Cannabis is legal in California for adults 21 and older under state law in 2025. Medical cannabis is also legal for patients 18 and older with a physician recommendation. State law sets possession limits, age rules, and licensing requirements. Local cities and counties can still ban or restrict retail sales, delivery, and cultivation.
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California cannabis law in 2025
California legalized adult-use cannabis with Proposition 64 in 2016. The state regulates licensed cultivation, manufacturing, testing, retail, and delivery through the Department of Cannabis Control. The core rules have not changed for 2025: adults 21 and older can buy from licensed retailers and possess limited amounts.
Adult-use possession limits
- Up to 28.5 grams of cannabis flower.
- Up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.
- Up to six cannabis plants for personal cultivation, if local rules allow.
- Cannabis must stay out of public view and away from minors.
Possession above these limits can lead to penalties. Penalties increase with the amount and with evidence of intent to sell.
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Medical cannabis rules
Patients 18 and older with a valid physician recommendation can use medical cannabis. Medical patients may have access to higher possession limits or different rules in some jurisdictions. Carry your recommendation and a state medical cannabis card if you have one. Follow local possession limits and do not share medical cannabis with people who are not patients.
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Where local rules change the answer
California does not require every city and county to allow cannabis businesses. A local government can ban storefront retail, delivery, or cultivation. Some cities allow retail but ban consumption lounges. Check your city or county rules before you order delivery or visit a store. A license from one city does not authorize sales in another.
What is still illegal in California
- Buying or selling cannabis without a state license.
- Consuming cannabis in public, except at a licensed consumption area where local rules allow it.
- Driving under the influence of cannabis.
- Carrying an open cannabis container in a vehicle.
- Possessing cannabis on federal land, at airports, or across state lines.
- Giving cannabis to anyone under 21, outside limited medical caregiver rules.
How to buy cannabis legally in California
- Confirm you meet the age rule: 21 or older for adult use, or 18 or older with a valid medical recommendation.
- Check your city or county for local retail, delivery, and possession rules.
- Choose a state-licensed retailer or licensed delivery service.
- Show a valid government ID at purchase or delivery.
- Keep your purchase within the state possession limit.
- Store cannabis in a sealed container and keep it away from minors.
Federal status
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. It is a Schedule I controlled substance. State-legal cannabis activity can still create federal risks, including for travel, banking, employment, and public housing. Follow state and local law, and do not carry cannabis into another state or onto federal property.
Quick answer for 2025
For most adults in California, cannabis is legal in 2025 if you are 21 or older, buy from a licensed source, stay within possession limits, and follow local rules. Medical patients 18 and older can use cannabis with a physician recommendation. Public use, unlicensed sales, impaired driving, and federal possession remain illegal.