California Home Cannabis Plant Limit: Six-Plant Rule and Local Checks
State adult-use baseline
DCC says adults 21 or older may grow up to six plants at home. Health and Safety Code §11362.2 specifies no more than six living plants within or on the grounds of a single private residence at one time. This is a residence limit, not six plants per adult occupant.
The statute also requires the plants and cannabis produced above 28.5 grams to be kept at the residence or its grounds in a locked space and not visible by normal unaided vision from a public place.
What local governments may require
The statute allows local governments to enact reasonable regulations. It bars a complete prohibition on cultivation inside a private residence or a fully enclosed, secure accessory structure, while allowing a local government to prohibit outdoor cultivation on residential grounds. Local permit and zoning requirements may also apply. Check the ordinance for the exact city or county and whether the home is within city limits.
Private property rules, such as a lease, are a separate check. Medical cultivation can follow different rules; do not assume a medical exception without confirming current documentation and law.
See California cannabis laws for a broader overview.
Quick FAQ
How many cannabis plants may an adult grow in California?
DCC's consumer page states adults 21 or older may grow up to six plants at home. Check the local ordinance for added requirements.
Is the limit six plants per adult or per home?
California Health and Safety Code §11362.2 sets a limit of six living plants per single private residence at one time, not per adult occupant.
Can a city or county add restrictions?
Yes. Local governments may enact reasonable regulations, may prohibit outdoor cultivation, and may require permits; state law limits a complete ban on compliant indoor cultivation in a residence or secure accessory structure.
Sources
- California DCC: What's Legal -- checked 2026-09-25; adult-use baseline and local-rule caution.
- California Health and Safety Code §11362.2 -- checked 2026-09-25; plant count, security, visibility, and local authority.