Last verified: 24 October 2026.
Is weed legal in Los Angeles? Yes, for adults 21 and over, within California's limits. But legal to have isn't legal to use anywhere: not in public, on the beach, in a park, on Metro or in a car (HSC 11362.1, HSC 11362.3).
Law vs. practice
- 21 and over, up to 28.5 g of cannabis and 8 g of concentrate (HSC 11362.1).
- No use in public. Up to US$100; smoking it where tobacco is banned or an open container in a vehicle, up to US$250 (HSC 11362.3, HSC 11362.4).
- No lounges in the City of LA. The City currently prohibits consumption lounges and temporary cannabis events (DCR). (We name no stores, lounges or delivery services, and never will.)
The rules and the penalties
- Beaches, parks and Metro are no-smoking zones, cannabis and vapes included (LAMC 63.44, Metro).
- Hotels and rentals can ban cannabis on their property (CDPH).
- Driving high is DUI. A first conviction means 96 hours to 6 months in jail and a fine of US$390–1,000 (VEH 23152, VEH 23536).
- "Legal hemp" with THC is not legal hemp in California since 2026 (CDPH AB 8 FAQ).
The airport and border warning
Don't take it out of California. LAX airport police have no authority to arrest you for possession that complies with state law, but TSA is federal and the law where you land is what counts (LAWA). Taking cannabis across state lines is illegal (CDPH), at the Mexican border any amount is a federal violation (CBP), and the Angeles National Forest follows federal law (Forest Service).
Emergency: 911 (FCC).
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