Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. California law
Cannabis laws in Barstow follow California’s state law. Legal status and penalties are set at the country/state level, not by the city.
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older under state law. Medical cannabis is available with a physician recommendation. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, so legal risk may still exist in certain contexts. Possession up to 28 grams of flower is permitted.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Legal (adults 21+)
- Medical: Available
- Possession: Up to 28g permitted under state law
- Buying/Selling: Legal from licensed retailers
- Tourists: Subject to same rules; federal risks remain
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative History
California legalized medical cannabis in 1996 via Proposition 215, allowing patients with physician recommendations to possess and cultivate for personal medical use. Recreational cannabis was legalized for adults 21+ in 2016 through Proposition 64, permitting possession of up to 28.5 grams of flower, 8 grams of concentrates, and home cultivation of up to six plants. Licensed retail sales are regulated at the state level, though local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions.
Law Enforcement
Barstow is a small town, and police used to drive up and down Main Street roughly every 20–30 minutes.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Main Street was the place people walked looking for someone who smoked. By 11 p.m. there was hardly anybody out. One person declined and went on their way. Another tried to charge US$20 for 0.4 g of schwag before a decent full gram turned up for the same price.
Marijuana Prices
- US$20 for 1 g of decent flower
- One attempted sale asked the same US$20 for just 0.4 g of schwag
Types of Marijuana
The better bag was good, though nobody gave it a strain name.
More Information
Main Street was quiet late at night, and bag sizes varied enough that the weight mattered as much as the price.