Last verified: March 2026
Adult-Use Possession Limits
Under Proposition 64, any adult 21 or older may possess the following amounts of cannabis anywhere in California:
| Product Type | Adult-Use Limit |
|---|---|
| Cannabis flower | 28.5 grams (approximately 1 ounce) |
| Concentrates (wax, shatter, oil, vape) | 8 grams |
| Edibles (per package) | 100mg THC maximum |
| Live plants | 6 per residence |
These limits apply to what you can carry on your person or in your vehicle. There is no separate "home storage" limit for purchased cannabis under adult-use law, but any cannabis from home cultivation may be kept at the residence where it was grown.
Medical Patient Limits
Medical cannabis patients with a valid physician recommendation or MMICP card may possess significantly more than adult-use consumers:
| Product Type | Medical Limit |
|---|---|
| Cannabis flower | 8 ounces (approximately 226 grams) |
| Edibles (per package) | 200mg THC maximum |
| Plants (with doctor authorization) | 6 mature or 12 immature (or more with specific physician recommendation) |
Physicians can authorize amounts above these defaults if a patient's medical condition requires it. The recommendation must specify the increased amount and the medical justification.
Transporting Cannabis
You may transport cannabis within California as long as you stay within the possession limits, but there are important rules about how you carry it:
- In a vehicle: Cannabis must be in a sealed container or stored in the trunk. An open container of cannabis in the passenger compartment is treated similarly to an open container of alcohol.
- No consumption in vehicles: Neither the driver nor any passenger may consume cannabis in a vehicle, even if it is parked. This applies to smoking, vaping, and edibles.
- Public transit: You may carry cannabis on public transportation (buses, trains, ferries) within possession limits, but consumption is prohibited.
- Bicycles: Riding a bicycle under the influence of cannabis can result in a citation, though enforcement is rare.
Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal offense, even between two legal states. This applies to the California-Oregon, California-Nevada, and California-Arizona borders. Federal authorities patrol border areas and interstate highways.
Gifting Cannabis
Prop 64 explicitly allows adults 21 and older to gift cannabis to other adults in amounts within the possession limits. However, the law draws a firm line:
- Legal: Giving up to 28.5 grams of flower or 8 grams of concentrates to another adult 21+ with nothing exchanged in return.
- Illegal: Any exchange of money, goods, or services in connection with a cannabis transfer. "Gift-with-purchase" schemes — where you buy a sticker or T-shirt and receive "free" cannabis — are unlicensed sales and carry criminal penalties.
Penalties for Exceeding Limits
California treats possession above the legal limits as follows:
| Situation | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Within limits (28.5g flower / 8g concentrate) | Legal | None |
| Above limits (adult 21+) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine and/or 6 months jail |
| Above limits (under 18) | Infraction/Misdemeanor | Drug counseling, community service |
| Possession with intent to sell (unlicensed) | Misdemeanor/Felony | Up to $500 fine and/or 6 months (misdemeanor); prison for repeat or aggravated offenses |
How California Compares
California's possession limits are moderate compared to other legal states:
- California: 28.5g flower, 8g concentrate
- Oregon: 1 oz flower in public, 8 oz at home
- Colorado: 2 oz flower
- New York: 3 oz flower, 24g concentrate
- Nevada: 1 oz flower, 3.5g concentrate
- Alaska: 1 oz flower in public, 4 oz at home
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org