Cannabis home grow regulations are set by each state, not by the federal government. About 20 states plus Washington, D.C. let adults 21 and older cultivate a limited number of plants at home, and a few more states allow cultivation only for registered medical patients. Everywhere else, growing cannabis at home remains illegal.
cannabis home grow regulations by state
Plant counts range from 2 in Maryland to 12 per household in Michigan and Ohio, and most states require a locked, enclosed space that is not visible from the street. Rules change often, so confirm current limits with your state cannabis regulator before you plant.
us state cannabis growing laws
Do all states with legal cannabis allow home grow?
No. Legal possession does not automatically include the right to cultivate. New Jersey and Delaware legalized adult use without permitting personal grows, and Washington allows home cultivation only for medical patients with a healthcare practitioner's authorization.
us state cannabis growing laws
Which states allow recreational home grow?
The list below reflects adult-use rules in place as of 2025. Counts are per adult unless noted, and several states cap total plants per household or per residence.
cannabis growing laws in us states
- Alaska: 6 plants, no more than 3 flowering
- Arizona: 6 plants, 12 per household
- California: 6 plants per residence
- Colorado: 6 plants, 12 per household
- Connecticut: 6 plants, 3 mature, 12 per household
- Maine: 6 mature and 12 immature, 12 mature per household
- Maryland: 2 plants
- Massachusetts: 6 plants, 12 per household
- Michigan: 12 plants per household
- Minnesota: 8 plants, no more than 4 flowering, 16 per household
- Missouri: 6 flowering plants, 12 flowering per household
- Montana: 4 mature and 4 seedlings, 8 mature per household
- Nevada: 6 plants, 12 per household
- New Mexico: 6 mature and 6 immature, 12 per household
- New York: 6 plants, 3 mature, 12 per household
- Ohio: 6 plants, 12 per household
- Oregon: 4 plants per residence
- Rhode Island: 6 plants, 3 mature, 12 per household
- Vermont: 6 plants, 2 mature flowering
- Virginia: 4 plants per household
- Washington, D.C.: 6 plants, 3 mature (district, not a state)
Which states allow home grow for medical patients only?
Some states limit cultivation to people enrolled in a medical cannabis program.
- Illinois: 5 plants for registered patients
- Hawaii: 10 plants for registered patients
- Oklahoma: 6 mature and 6 seedlings with a medical license
- Washington: up to 6 plants with practitioner authorization
Other medical-only states, including Florida and Pennsylvania, do not permit home cultivation at all.
Where is home grow illegal?
Personal cultivation is a crime in every state where cannabis remains illegal. It is also barred for adults in New Jersey and Delaware despite legal possession, and in medical programs that never created a cultivation pathway.
What rules apply in nearly every home grow state?
- Enclosed and locked: plants must sit in a locked house, room, or secured structure.
- Not in public view: outdoor plants cannot be visible from a street or neighboring property.
- Personal use only: selling or large-scale gifting is illegal without a commercial license.
- Possession caps: harvested cannabis per adult is limited, often 1 to 10 ounces.
- Local limits: cities and counties can add fencing, odor, and outdoor grow restrictions.
- Lease terms: renters usually need the property owner's permission.
- Plant stages: many states count flowering and immature plants separately.
Do home grow laws cover hemp and CBD?
Not usually. Hemp grown for CBD falls under state or USDA hemp programs, and commercial cultivation requires a license plus compliance testing. Marijuana home grow statutes do not authorize hemp farming, and CBD sold online should come from licensed, lab-tested supply chains.
Frequently asked questions about home grow rules
How many cannabis plants can I grow at home?
It depends on your state. The range runs from 2 plants per adult in Maryland to 12 plants per household in Michigan, Ohio, and several other states. Household caps often matter more than per-person limits.
Can I grow cannabis with only a medical card?
Only in states whose medical law includes cultivation. Illinois allows 5 plants for registered patients and Hawaii allows 10, while Florida and Pennsylvania allow none.
Can I sell cannabis I grow at home?
No. Personal grows are for personal use, and selling untaxed, untested cannabis is a crime in every legal state. Retail sales require a commercial cultivator license.
Can my landlord prohibit a home grow?
Yes. Property owners can ban cultivation in a lease, and many do for insurance and odor reasons. Renters should get written permission before planting.
Do states test homegrown cannabis?
No. Lab testing is required for licensed commercial products, not for personal grows. Consumers who want verified potency and contaminant screening often choose lab-tested CBD and cannabis products instead.
How do I check the rules for my state?
- Find your state cannabis regulator, often the department of revenue, health, or agriculture.
- Search its site for personal cultivation limits on plant count, plant stage, and household totals.
- Review city or county ordinances for fencing, odor, and outdoor grow rules.
- Confirm lease or HOA terms if you rent or live in shared housing.