growing cannabis for personal use laws
A plain-English guide to growing cannabis for personal use laws: plant counts, enclosure rules, seed sourcing, and what to check before you start a home grow.
How many plants can you grow legally at home?
There is no single US number. Federal law does not allow home cannabis cultivation. The number is set by state law, and local rules can lower it. In a state with no home-grow law, the legal number is zero. In states that allow home grow, common caps are 6 to 12 plants per household. Some medical programs allow more. Some states cap plants per person and per household. Check state statute and city or county code before planting.
do you need a license to grow cannabis at home
Federal law
Cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Federal law does not provide a home cultivation allowance. State laws that permit home grow do not change federal status. Federal enforcement policy can change. A state-legal grow can still violate federal law.
State limits vary
Plant counts differ by state. Examples:
how many plants can you grow legally at home
- California: up to 6 plants per private residence for adults 21 and older. Local governments can ban or limit cultivation.
- Colorado: up to 6 plants per person 21 and older and 12 per household. Local limits may be lower.
- New York: 3 mature and 3 immature plants per adult 21 and older. Household cap: 6 mature and 6 immature plants.
These examples are not a full list. Counts can change by statute. Medical cannabis patients may have different limits. Some states allow caregivers to grow for patients. Some states allow more plants with a permit.
Local rules can lower the number
Counties and cities can set zoning rules, plant visibility rules, smell rules, and permit rules. A state limit does not override a local ban. Check local code. Check rental lease and homeowners association rules. A lease can prohibit cultivation even where state law allows it.
What counts as a plant
State definitions differ. Some states count mature and immature plants. Some count clones and seedlings. Some count plants per person and per household. Some require tags or tracking. Keep records. Do not assume a seedling does not count.
Bottom line
The legal number at a US home is zero under federal law. Under state law, the number ranges from zero to 12 plants in common adult-use programs. Medical programs and local permits can change the cap. Verify the current state statute and local code for the address.