Possession Limits Explained

Possession limits define the maximum amount of cannabis you can legally carry or have at one time. These limits exist even in places where cannabis is fully legal.

Why Possession Limits Exist

Governments implement possession limits to:

1. Prevent illegal distribution - Distinguish personal use from intent to sell
2. Reduce black market - Limit excess supply
3. Public safety concerns - Control access and availability
4. Gradual policy implementation - Start conservative, adjust over time

Types of Limits

By Location

• On your person (what you carry in public)
• At home (residential storage limits)
• In vehicle (transportation rules)

By Product Type

Different limits often apply to:

• Flower/buds (dried cannabis)
• Concentrates (oils, wax, shatter)
• Edibles (food products with THC)
• Plants (for home growing)

Common Possession Limits

Recreational Use (Examples)

Location	Flower Limit	Concentrate Limit	Notes
California	28.5g (1 oz)	8g concentrate	6 plants at home
Canada	30g public	No limit at home	4 plants per household
Colorado	28g (1 oz)	8g concentrate	6 plants (3 flowering)
Netherlands	5g	N/A	Coffee shops only
Uruguay	40g/month	N/A	6 plants or pharmacy

Medical Use (Examples)

Medical limits are typically higher:

• California Medical - 8 oz (227g) + 12 plants
• Arizona Medical - 2.5 oz every 2 weeks
• Oklahoma Medical - 3 oz flower + 1 oz concentrate

Understanding the Numbers

Ounces vs. Grams

• 1 oz = 28.35 grams
• Common limit: "1 oz" = about 28g flower
• Concentrate limits much lower (higher potency)

What Does 1 Ounce Look Like?

For reference, 1 oz of flower:

• Approximately 28-56 joints (depending on size)
• 56-112 bowls (0.25-0.5g each)
• Moderate user: 1-3 months supply
• Heavy user: 2-4 weeks supply

Concentrate Conversions

Many places use equivalency ratios to compare products:

Common formula:

• 1g concentrate = 5g flower (5:1 ratio)
• 1mg THC edible = 1mg THC (direct)

Example: Colorado's limits

• 1 oz flower = 28g flower
• OR 8g concentrate
• OR mix (e.g., 14g flower + 4g concentrate)

What Happens If You Exceed Limits?

Just Over the Limit

• Civil fine (similar to traffic ticket)
• Confiscation of excess amount
• Warning or citation

Significantly Over

• Criminal charges
• Possible jail time
• Intent to distribute charges
• Larger fines

Special Situations

Tourists

• Same limits as residents in most places
• Cannot cross borders with cannabis
• Some medical programs exclude tourists

Home Storage

• Higher limits often allowed at private residence
• Must be secured (locked containers)
• Away from minors

Transporting

• Keep in trunk, not passenger area
• Original packaging when possible
• Don't cross state/country lines

Multiple People

❌ Cannot combine limits

• Each person has individual limit
• Cannot pool purchases for one person

Map Legend Indicator

On location detail pages, you'll see:

🔵 Possession: Up to 1 oz - Maximum allowed amount

This tells you the legal possession limit for that location.

Important Tips

✅ Do:

• Keep products in original packaging
• Stay well under limits when traveling
• Know local limits before purchasing
• Store excess at home securely

❌ Don't:

• Assume limits are the same everywhere
• Transport across state/country borders
• Give your portion to someone else (gift limits differ)
• Keep cannabis in reach while driving

Home Growing Limits

Where home cultivation is allowed:

• Typical limit: 4-6 plants per adult
• Maximum per household (even with multiple adults)
• Only mature/flowering plants counted in some places
• Must not be visible from public areas
• Secured from minors

Medical vs. Recreational Limits

Aspect	Medical	Recreational
Amounts	Higher	Lower
Proof required	Medical card	Just ID
Purchase frequency	More frequent	Daily limits
Home growing	More plants	Fewer plants

Checking Your Local Limits

Always verify:

1. Current possession limits (laws change)
2. Public vs. home storage limits
3. Product type conversions
4. Purchase vs. possession limits (may differ)
5. Municipal rules (cities may have stricter rules)

⚠️ When in doubt, less is more. Staying well under limits ensures compliance and reduces legal risk.

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Related Articles:

• What Does Recreational Mean?
• What Does Medical Mean?
• Tourist Regulations