CaliforniaCannabis Growing Guide
Everything you need to grow cannabis at home in California. Laws, climate tips, recommended strains, and local resources.
Age Requirement
21+ years old
Plants Per Household
6 plants max
Indoor Growing
Always allowed
Legal Since
November 8, 2016
Legal Overview
California legalized home cannabis cultivation through the Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) on November 8, 2016.
What's Allowed
- •Growing up to 6 cannabis plants per household
- •Indoor cultivation is protected statewide
- •Possessing cannabis harvested from your own plants
- •Using your own cannabis (in private)
Not Allowed
- •Exceeding 6 plants per household
- •Growing in a location visible from public areas without opaque structures
- •Growing where children can access the plants
- •Selling cannabis from your home grow
Location Requirements
Where and how you can legally grow cannabis in California.
Private Residence
Plants must be grown at your residence. California law protects indoor growing statewide, though local governments may regulate outdoor cultivation.
Not Visible from Public
Plants cannot be visible from any public place without using binoculars or other aids. Outdoor grows must be in a locked, enclosed space.
Secured from Minors
You must take reasonable steps to ensure persons under 21 cannot access the plants. A locked grow space is recommended.
Making Concentrates
Rules for making cannabis concentrates and extracts in California.
Allowed Methods
- •Rosin pressing
- •Ice water hash
- •Infusing with food-safe oils
- •Dry sift
Prohibited Methods
- •Butane (BHO extraction)
- •Propane
- •Other flammable gases or liquids
Important: Volatile solvents (butane, propane, etc.) are prohibited for home extraction in California. Stick to solventless methods like rosin pressing and ice water hash.
Renting? Important Considerations
What renters in California need to know about home cultivation.
- ⚠️Review your lease for any cannabis or smoking-related clauses
- ⚠️Landlords can prohibit cannabis use and cultivation in rental agreements
- ⚠️Federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) prohibits cannabis
- ⚠️Consider indoor, odor-controlled growing to minimize impact on neighbors
- ⚠️Some local jurisdictions have additional restrictions - check your city/county laws
Compliance Tips
Best practices for staying compliant with California cannabis laws.
✓Count Your Plants
California limits you to 6 plants per household total, regardless of how many adults live there.
✓Grow Indoors
Indoor growing is protected statewide. Outdoor growing may be regulated or prohibited by your local jurisdiction.
✓Control Odors
Use carbon filters in your grow setup. Being a good neighbor helps everyone.
✓Lock Your Grow
Outdoor grows must be in a locked, enclosed space. Indoor grows should also be secured from minors.
✓Check Local Laws
Cities and counties can add restrictions. Check your local ordinances before growing outdoors.
Climate & Growing Season
USDA Zone
USDA Zones 5-11 (varies greatly)
Outdoor Season
Year-round possible in SoCal, April - November in NorCal
Last Frost
Varies: January (SoCal) to May (mountains)
First Frost
Varies: November (SoCal) to October (mountains)
Outstanding outdoor growing conditions with long seasons and ideal climate.
California offers some of the best outdoor growing conditions in the US. Southern California can grow year-round, while Northern California has the famous Emerald Triangle. The Mediterranean climate with dry summers is ideal, though watch for late-season mold in humid coastal areas.
Recommended Strains for California
These strains are particularly well-suited for growing in California's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in California?
California allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants per household for personal use. This is a household limit, not per person - even if multiple adults live together, the maximum is 6 plants total.
When did home cannabis growing become legal in California?
California legalized adult-use cannabis through Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) on November 8, 2016. Home cultivation was included in the original law.
Can my city ban home cannabis cultivation?
Local governments cannot ban indoor cultivation for personal use - it is protected statewide. However, they can regulate or completely prohibit outdoor cultivation. Always check your local ordinances.
Can I grow cannabis outdoors in California?
State law allows outdoor growing, but it must be in a locked, enclosed space not visible from public areas. However, many cities and counties have banned or restricted outdoor cultivation, so check your local laws.
Can I make cannabis concentrates at home in California?
Using volatile solvents (butane, propane) for extraction is illegal in California, even for personal use. Non-volatile methods like rosin pressing, ice water hash, dry sift, or infusing with food-safe oils are permitted.
Ready to Start Growing in California?
Check out our complete growing guide and equipment recommendations.