Is Marijuana Legal in California?

California legalized recreational marijuana through Proposition 64 (the Adult Use of Marijuana Act) in November 2016. Adults aged 21 and older can legally possess up to 28.5 grams (about one ounce) of cannabis flower and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. Home cultivation of up to six plants per household is also permitted.

Cannabis must be purchased from licensed dispensaries, and consumption is prohibited in public places, near schools, and in vehicles. Many cities and counties in Los Angeles have their own local regulations regarding dispensary locations and permitted consumption areas. Employers in California retain the right to maintain drug-free workplaces and can test for cannabis use, though a 2024 law prohibits employers from using off-duty cannabis use as a sole basis for adverse employment actions.

Medical marijuana has been legal in California since 1996 under Proposition 215 (the Compassionate Use Act). Medical cannabis patients can possess larger amounts and may access higher-potency products. A valid medical marijuana identification card (MMIC) provides additional legal protections.

While marijuana is legal and many adults use it without problems, approximately 9% of users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This rate increases to roughly 17% among those who begin using in adolescence. Cannabis use disorder is characterized by continued use despite negative consequences, withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and inability to reduce use despite wanting to.

Health risks associated with heavy marijuana use include impaired memory and cognitive function, respiratory issues from smoking, mental health effects including increased risk of anxiety and psychosis in predisposed individuals, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (cyclic vomiting in chronic heavy users).

If marijuana use is negatively impacting your life, health, relationships, or work, professional help is available. Treatment for cannabis use disorder typically involves outpatient counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and support groups.

Many Los Angeles treatment centers offer programs specifically addressing cannabis dependency. While there are no FDA-approved medications for cannabis use disorder, behavioral therapies are effective, and research into potential pharmacological treatments is ongoing. Treatment may be covered by your health insurance, including Medi-Cal.