California Law
| Possession | |||
| 28.5 g or less | misdemeanor | none | $100 |
| More than 28.5 g | misdemeanor | 6 months | $500 |
| 28.5 g or less on school grounds while school open (over 18 yers old) | misdemeanor | 10 days | $500 |
| More than 28.5 g on school grounds while school open (over 18 yers old) | misdemeanor | 6 months | $500 |
| Cultivation | |||
| Any amount (exception for patients or caregivers) | felony | 16 – 36 months | none |
| Sale | |||
| Gift of less than 28.5 g | misdemeanor | none | $100 |
| Any amount | felony |
2 – 4 years
|
none |
| 28.5 g or less by a minor | misdemeanor | none | $250 |
| Any amount to a minor over 14 years old | felony | 3 – 5 years | none |
| Any amount to a minor under 14 years old (includes offering, inducing, distributing, or employing) | felony |
3 – 7 years
|
none |
| Miscellaneous (paraphernalia, license suspensions, drug tax stamps, etc…) | |||
| Any conviction of minor under 21 causes driver’s license suspension for 1 year. | |||
Decriminalization: The state has decriminalized marijuana to some degree. Typically, decriminalization means no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption. The conduct is treated like a minor traffic violation.
Medical marijuana: This state has medical marijuana laws enacted. Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant and emerging research suggests that marijuana’s medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors, and are neuroprotective. For more information see NORML’s Medical Marijuana section.
Hemp: This state has an active hemp industry. Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. that contains minimal (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Various parts of the plant can be utilized in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed, and other products. For more information see NORML’s Industrial Use section.
Also see Federal Laws

