As April 20 approaches, a date commonly associated with cannabis use, it’s important for residents and students to understand what is and is not allowed under California law. 

In 2016, voters passed California Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and older. Cannabis can also be used medically for individuals 18 and older with a physician’s recommendation. Under the law, individuals may possess up to one ounce of cannabis or eight grams of cannabis concentrate for personal use. They can also grow up to six cannabis plants in a private residence, as long as the plants are kept in a secure area and not visible to the public. 

Even with legalization, there are still limits. 

A common misconception is that legalization means that cannabis can be used anywhere. It can’t. While cannabis is legal in California, its use in public remains prohibited. This includes sidewalks, parks and most outdoor spaces. Local governments may also set additional restrictions.

Cannabis use is also restricted in areas where smoking tobacco is banned. It cannot be used within 1,000 feet of schools, day care centers or youth centers while children are present. 

Driving under the influence of cannabis is also illegal and can result in a DUI. Like alcohol, it comes down to impairment. There isn’t a fixed legal threshold, so it depends on whether someone is considered unable to safely operate a vehicle.

It is also illegal to have an open container of cannabis in a vehicle. It must be stored in a sealed container or placed in the trunk so it can’t be reached while driving. 

For college students, rules can be more restrictive. 

Campuses within the California State University system, including Fresno State, do not allow cannabis on university property. This includes residence halls and other campus spaces. This policy is tied to federal regulations, where cannabis remains illegal. 

Housing is another area where confusion comes up.

While cannabis is legal in California, landlords and property managers can still set their own policies, which can restrict smoking or cannabis use, depending on the property. Property owners can ban cannabis use entirely depending on lease agreements. 

Edible cannabis products are also legal, but they can affect users differently. Because they take longer to kick in, it’s easier for someone to take more than they intended. 

All cannabis products also remain illegal under federal law, meaning they cannot be used or possessed on federal land, such as national parks, or taken across state lines.

Overall, staying within the law mostly comes down to knowing where cannabis use is actually allowed and where it is not. Most issues don’t come from possession limits. They come from where cannabis is used, driving after using it or not realizing how campus and housing rules apply. 

With 4/20 coming up, cannabis may feel more normalized, but the rules around where and how it can be used haven’t changed.