Parents/Guardians & Neighbors
What is the penalty for someone under the age of 21 who is caught possessing or consuming cannabis?
You must be 18 or older and have either a current physician’s recommendation, a valid county-issued medical cannabis identification card to buy and consume medical cannabis.
Otherwise, penalties can range from a fine to a possible jail or prison sentence. Additionally, K-12 schools, universities and school districts may have disciplinary and expulsion policies for students caught with adult-use cannabis on school property. If you’re 18 to 20 years old, you’ll receive a $100 fine for using, possessing, or transporting any amount of cannabis.
Can I legally give or sell cannabis to someone under the age of 21?
No. You must be 21 and older to have or use adult-use cannabis. It is illegal to give or sell adult-use cannabis to minors. You can give up to one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis and up to eight grams of concentrated cannabis to a person 21 or older, but you cannot sell it or receive any payment.
What should I do if I suspect or know my child has consumed cannabis?
Children are at higher risk for cannabis poisoning, especially from edibles. If you think a child may have ingested cannabis, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If you think a child needs immediate medical help, call 911. Store all cannabis products in a locked area. Make sure children cannot see or reach the locked area. Keep cannabis in the child-resistant packaging from the store. Cannabis affects children more strongly than adults. Read more.
Are there limitations on the proximity of adult-use cannabis businesses to schools?
There is a 1,000-foot spacing requirement between a school, day care center, or youth center, while children are present.
What should I do if I suspect or know my pet has consumed cannabis?
Call a veterinarian. Cannabis should be stored securely at all times.
Can I legally grow cannabis at home?
Yes. Adult residents can grow up to six cannabis plants per household. No more than six total plants are allowed per residence in the City of Sacramento regardless of the number of adults living there. Cannabis plants must be kept in an enclosed, locked area, and growers should take extra precautions to ensure that only authorized adults have access to the cannabis plants.
What if a neighbor is cultivating more than six plants?
Illegal cultivation affects neighborhoods and can attract crime. Please call 311 to report a suspected residential illegal grow house.
How can Sacramento residents and visitors avoid exposure to public cannabis use?
It is illegal to consume cannabis in public in Sacramento. If you see a violation of cannabis laws in Sacramento, call the police non-emergency line at 916-264-5471.
How is cannabis smoke treated differently from tobacco smoke in terms of where it is permitted?
It is illegal to consume cannabis in public. You also cannot smoke cannabis in places where tobacco is prohibited.
What can I do if I live near a cannabis cultivation center (grow facility) and the odor is bothersome?
If cannabis odor is perceived to be excessive, residents can report a nuisance odor complaint with 3-1-1.
What are the rules for new cannabis adult-use stores?
In the City of Sacramento, some medicinal dispensaries may qualify to sell adult-use cannabis. There are 30 medicinal dispensaries. On Nov. 28, 2017, the City Council voted to allow the City’s 30 medical dispensaries to sell adult-use cannabis if they succeed in obtaining a state license after Jan. 1, 2018 and the necessary City permit amendments. They also need to complete a neighborhood responsibility plan and be compliant with all state and local regulations.
What are the health effects of using adult-use cannabis?
For information about the health impacts of cannabis use, please refer to the California Department of Health website for adult-use cannabis information and resources.