California Cannabis Laws
Fully LegalRegulated by Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)
✅
Adult Use
✅
Medical
✅
Social Equity
❌
Interstate Ship
License Types Available
cultivationmanufacturingdistributionretailmicrobusinesstestingdeliveryevent
Residency Required:
No
License Cap:
No statewide cap. Local jurisdictions may cap.
Vertical Integration:
Allowed with separate licenses for each activity
Legalized:
November 2016 (Prop 64)
Possession & Purchase Limits
Purchase Limits:
1 oz flower or 8g concentrate per transaction (adult use)
Possession Limits:
1 oz flower or 8g concentrate
Cultivation:
Up to 6 plants personal. Commercial requires license by tier (small, medium, large). No canopy limits for Large cultivation as of 2023.
THC Limits
Flower
No THC cap for adult-use flower
Concentrate
No THC cap
Edible
100mg per package, 10mg per serving
Taxes
Excise Tax:
15% excise tax on retail
Sales Tax:
Varies by jurisdiction (7.25%-10.75%)
Shipping & Transport
In-State Shipping: Yes
Out-of-State: No
Must use licensed distributor for transport. Cannot ship across state lines. Common carrier shipping prohibited.
Key Notes
Largest legal cannabis market in the world. AB 8 (2025) integrates hemp-derived THC products into licensed market. Local jurisdictions can ban cannabis businesses. About 2/3 of cities/counties have opted out.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Cannabis laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney before making business decisions.