California Medical Cannabis Laws

Status

Operational

Law Signed:

1996

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS QUALIFYING CONDITIONS

A patient may be certified for the California medical cannabis program if they meet any of the following criteria:
Anorexia
Arthritis
Cachexia
Cancer
Chronic Pain
HIV or AIDS
Glaucoma
Migraine
Persistent Muscle Spasms
Severe Nausea
Seizures
Any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been “deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician”

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENT POSSESSION LIMITS

California medical cannabis patients are permitted to possess 8 ounces of cannabis flower at one time, or more if explicitly recommended by a physician.

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS HOME CULTIVATION

Yes, California medical cannabis patients can cultivate up to 6 mature or 12 immature plants at home, though local ordinances may impose stricter restrictions or bans.

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES ALLOWED

Yes, California permits the operation of state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries.

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES OPERATIONAL

Yes, California medical cannabis dispensaries are operational.

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS DELIVERY

Yes, California medical cannabis dispensaries may lawfully engage in home delivery.

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS CAREGIVERS

California medical cannabis patients can designate a primary caregiver who is at least 18 years old, or the parent of a minor patient, to cultivate medical cannabis on their behalf. Caregivers are restricted to assisting a single patient unless all designated patients reside within the same city or county.

NUMBER OF CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS

California’s medical cannabis registration program is voluntary, and state officials issued a total of 2,920 patient cards during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Source: California Department of Public Health 1/21/26

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CANNABIS EMPLOYMENT PROTECTIONS

Yes, it is unlawful for an employer in California to discriminate against a person in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize a person, if the discrimination is based upon the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace as determined by a positive drug screen for the presence of the carboxy THC metabolite. This applies to patients and non-patients.