Residents & visitors
What is the difference between adult-use and medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is cannabis that is intended for use by persons who have a current physician’s recommendation because the person’s health would benefit from the use of cannabis.
Adult-use cannabis is cannabis that can be purchased by adults 21 and over and does not require a physician’s recommendation.
Who can buy medical cannabis?
To buy medical cannabis, you must be 18 or older and have either a current physician’s recommendation, a valid county-issued medical cannabis identification card, or be a Primary Caregiver as defined in Health and Safety Code section 11362.7(d). For more information about medical cannabis, please visit the California Department of Public Health.
How old do I have to be to buy, possess or consume adult-use cannabis?
You must be 21 or older to buy, possess, or use adult-use cannabis. It is illegal to give or sell adult-use cannabis to anyone under 21 years old.
Where can I buy adult-use cannabis?
Adult-use cannabis may be purchased at licensed and permitted adult-use cannabis dispensaries. Currently there are no adult-use cannabis dispensaries in the City of Sacramento. 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. As of early January 2018, there are 21 of 30 medicinal cannabis dispensaries that have received a temporary state license to also sell adult-use cannabis. They also need to complete a neighborhood responsibility plan and be compliant with all state and local regulations. The information may change. Visit this page for updates.
Where am I allowed to smoke cannabis?
Cannabis is intended for private, personal use. Generally, you can smoke or vape cannabis in a private residence. You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in public places, where smoking tobacco is prohibited, or on the grounds of a school, day care center, or youth center while children are present. Property owners and landlords can ban the smoking of cannabis on their premises.
Can I ingest (not smoke) cannabis in public?
No, it is also illegal to ingest cannabis in public. This includes but is not limited to areas accessible to the public such as transportation facilities, amusement/sporting/music venues, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads and outdoor and rooftop cafes. It is also illegal to ingest cannabis on the grounds of a school, day care center, or youth center while children are present.
How much cannabis can I buy at one time?
Without a physician’s recommendation, adults 21 and older can buy and possess up to 28.5 grams (approx. 1 ounce) of cannabis and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis, at a time.
If you are 18 or older and have either have current qualifying physician’s recommendation, a valid county-issued medical cannabis identification card, or are a Primary Caregiver as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7(d), you can possess up to 28.5 grams of dried flower, or, 8 ounces of concentrate.
Are cannabis “social clubs” or “coffee shops” permitted?
No. These businesses are not permitted in Sacramento at this time.
Can I grow cannabis? And how much?
You can also possess up to six living cannabis plants, and the cannabis produced by those plants, inside your private residence. In the City of Sacramento, there’s a $500 fine, per plant, for possessing/cultivating more than six plants per household. The limit is the same for either adult-use or medicinal use.
What are the consequences if I violate cannabis laws?
Penalties range from a fine to a possible jail or prison sentence. People caught smoking a joint in public can expect to face a fine up to $100, and up to $250 where tobacco smoking is prohibited. See below for a complete list of California Laws & Penalties regarding cannabis violations.
Can I have cannabis in my car?
It is against the law for you to have an open container of cannabis in a vehicle while driving or riding in the passenger seat. It must be in an unopened package or kept in the trunk of the vehicle. Even if you have a current qualifying physician’s recommendation or a valid county-issued medical cannabis identification card, it is illegal to smoke, consume, or ingest cannabis in an operating vehicle.
Is there a DUI-like equivalent for driving under the influence of cannabis?
Yes. It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis and it can result in a DUI, just like alcohol. If you are suspected of being under the influence of cannabis while operating a car, boat, or other vehicle, a law enforcement officer can pull you over and conduct a sobriety test.
Can I take cannabis through airport security or travel out of state with it?
No. It is illegal to bring your cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another state where cannabis is legal.
Can I consume cannabis on public transportation (buses, light rail) in Sacramento?
No. It is illegal to consume cannabis in public, which includes public transportation.
Does the City of Sacramento have different laws?
The laws in the City about usage and possession do not differ from CA state law, with the exception of the $500 fine, per plant, for possessing/cultivating more than six plants per household.
Am I able to legally use cannabis and work?
Even though it is legal in California, employers have the right to prohibit the use of cannabis by their employees. Know your workplace cannabis policies. Employers may enact policies restricting the use of cannabis by employees as well as possession
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.