Los Angeles cannabis laws, explained.

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Who can buy

Adults 21 and older can buy adult-use cannabis at licensed shops with a valid government-issued photo ID. Adults 18 and older can buy medical cannabis with a physician's recommendation or a medical marijuana ID card. Medical patients can have higher possession limits and buy more per day if their physician recommends it.

How much you can buy and carry

Possession limits match: up to 28.5 grams of cannabis and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.

Where you can use it

You can use cannabis on private property, but not in public places like restaurants, bars, parks, sidewalks or beaches. You cannot smoke cannabis anywhere smoking tobacco is illegal. Property owners, including landlords and hotels, can ban cannabis on their property, and most hotels do not allow it in guest rooms.

Some cities license consumption lounges where you can legally use cannabis on site. West Hollywood is the best known example in the LA area.

Cars and driving

Having an open container of cannabis while driving or riding in a vehicle is illegal. Cannabis in a vehicle must be in a sealed package or container, or in the trunk. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, with the same potential penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers can pull you over for a sobriety test if they suspect you are impaired.

Travel, airports and federal land

Cannabis is still illegal under federal law. That means you cannot take it across state lines, even to another state where it is legal, and you cannot use or possess it on federal land such as national parks. Do not pack it for a flight.

Growing at home

Adults 21 and older can grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home. Cities and landlords can add rules about where and how. Some shops in the guide, like Jungle Boys, sell seeds.

Local rules

Cities and counties can make cannabis rules stricter than the state's. Rules in the City of Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Culver City are not identical, including taxes. Check the tax guide for the difference at the register.

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