State law
Cannabis in California
First state to legalise medical cannabis, via Proposition 215 (1996).
Adult-use and medical legal
- Medical program
- Since 1996
- Adult-use
- Since 2016
- Verified listings
- Not yet covered
The authority for cannabis regulation in California is the Department of Cannabis Control. Where their guidance and this page differ, theirs governs.
Common questions
- Is cannabis legal in California?
- Adult-use and medical legal. First state to legalise medical cannabis, via Proposition 215 (1996).
- Do I need a medical card in California?
- California permits adult-use purchase, so a card is not required to buy. A medical card may still provide higher possession limits, lower taxes, or access to products not available to adult-use customers.
- Did the April 2026 federal rescheduling change this?
- It moved state-legal medical cannabis and FDA-approved cannabis products from Schedule I to Schedule III, effective 23 April 2026. Adult-use recreational cannabis was not included and remained Schedule I. State law was not overridden either way.
General information only, not legal advice. Cannabis law changes frequently. This table was last reconciled against its source on 2026-08-15. Check current state guidance before acting.
Sources
- National Conference of State Legislatures. State Medical Cannabis Laws. Page last updated 2026-06-01.Accessed 2026-08-15.
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Marijuana Rescheduling Regulatory Actions.Accessed 2026-08-15.
- Federal Register. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Marijuana. Published April 28, 2026.Accessed 2026-08-15.