Quick answer
Marijuana in California: Recreational + medical legal. California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and adult-use marijuana in 2016, with retail sales beginning in 2018. Adults 21 and older may possess up to one ounce and grow up to six plants at home. Workplace drug testing remains lawful in many circumstances despite state legalization.
Key facts
- Recreational marijuana legal since 2016.
- Medical marijuana legal since 1996.
- Adults may typically possess up to 1 oz.
- Home cultivation permitted.
Workplace testing
California generally allows employers to test for cannabis and act on positive results, especially in safety-sensitive roles. A 2021 state law (AB 2188) restricts most pre-employment testing for off-duty cannabis use, but testing remains common and a medical card is not a blanket shield.
California's off-duty lawful-conduct law (Labor Code 96(k)) protects employees from adverse action for lawful off-duty conduct, but courts have held it does not bar drug testing or discipline for cannabis use in many cases.
Detection & panels
See how long substances stay detectable in our detection chart, compare standard panels, or use the test finder. Local testing locations in California are listed on the California drug testing page.
Frequently asked questions
Is marijuana legal in California?
California status: Recreational + medical legal. California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and adult-use marijuana in 2016, with retail sales beginning in 2018. Adults 21 and older may possess up to one ounce and grow up to six plants at home. Workplace drug testing remains lawful in many circumstances despite state legalization.
Can an employer in California drug test me?
California generally allows employers to test for cannabis and act on positive results, especially in safety-sensitive roles. A 2021 state law (AB 2188) restricts most pre-employment testing for off-duty cannabis use, but testing remains common and a medical card is not a blanket shield.
Does a medical card protect me from testing in California?
California's off-duty lawful-conduct law (Labor Code 96(k)) protects employees from adverse action for lawful off-duty conduct, but courts have held it does not bar drug testing or discipline for cannabis use in many cases.