Cannabis possession limits in grams start at 28.35 g, or one ounce, in most U.S. states that allow adult use. A few states allow 56 grams or more in public, and some permit larger amounts at home. Federal law still bans marijuana possession, so the gram limit that applies to you depends on your state.
Cannabis Possession Limits Near Me: How to Find Your State's Rules
One ounce is 28.35 grams, the number you will see in most state statutes. Common caps include 28.35 g (1 oz), 56.7 g (2 oz), 71 g (2.5 oz), and 85 g (3 oz).
How Many Grams Is One Ounce of Cannabis?
One ounce equals 28.35 grams. Two ounces equal 56.7 grams, three ounces equal 85.05 grams, and four ounces equal 113.4 grams.
cannabis possession limits by state
State laws mix units. Colorado and California write their adult limit as 1 ounce, while Illinois writes it as 30 grams. New York uses 3 ounces, or 85 grams.
cannabis possession limits near me
Possession limits apply per person. Two adults in the same car can each hold the legal limit in most states, but one person holding double the cap can face charges.
Which States Cap Possession at 28 Grams?
One ounce is the most common adult-use limit in the country. These states set the public cap at or near 28 grams for adults 21 and older:
- Colorado: 28 g (1 oz)
- California: 28.5 g (1 oz)
- Washington: 28 g (1 oz)
- Nevada: 28 g (1 oz)
- Arizona: 28 g (1 oz)
- Vermont: 28 g (1 oz)
- New Jersey: 28 g (1 oz)
- Massachusetts: 28.35 g (1 oz) in public
- Virginia: 28.35 g (1 oz)
- Rhode Island: 28 g (1 oz)
- Montana: 28 g (1 oz)
- Alaska: 28 g (1 oz)
Medical patients in many of these states may hold more. Adult-use limits cover anyone 21 and older without a medical card.
Which States Allow More Than One Ounce?
A handful of states write larger public limits. The numbers below cover cannabis flower in public, not at home:
- New York: 85 g (3 oz) in public
- Michigan: 71 g (2.5 oz) in public
- Maine: 71 g (2.5 oz)
- New Mexico: 56 g (2 oz)
- Connecticut: 42.5 g (1.5 oz) in public
- Illinois: 30 g
Concentrates often carry a separate cap. Illinois limits concentrate to 5 grams and infused products to 500 mg of THC for adult-use buyers.
Does CBD Count Toward Cannabis Possession Limits?
Hemp-derived CBD does not count toward marijuana possession limits. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and defined hemp as cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Marijuana limits cover cannabis that tests above that 0.3% threshold. A full-spectrum CBD oil with trace THC stays under the hemp definition when the label states 0.3% or less.
State rules for CBD sales still vary. Some states set a minimum age of 18 or 21, and a few restrict certain CBD products. Check the lab report before you buy.
What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?
Penalties scale with weight and intent. In legal states, a small overage often brings a civil fine, while larger amounts can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
Federal penalties differ. Simple possession under 21 U.S.C. § 844 carries up to one year in prison and a fine of at least $1,000 for a first offense, no matter the gram count.
Possession with intent to distribute brings harsher federal penalties that rise with weight thresholds starting at 50 kilograms of marijuana.
Do Home Grow Rules Change the Possession Limit?
Home limits sit apart from public caps in most legal states. Massachusetts allows 10 ounces at home but one ounce in public. New York permits up to 5 pounds at home and 3 ounces in public.
Home grow plant counts do not raise your public limit. Four mature plants at home can produce far more than 28 grams, and states expect you to keep that flower at home.
Grams to Ounces for Common Cannabis Limits
- 3.5 g = one eighth of an ounce
- 7 g = one quarter ounce
- 14 g = one half ounce
- 28 g = one ounce
- 56 g = two ounces
- 85 g = three ounces
- 113 g = four ounces
Dispensary staff use these fractions, so a "quarter" means 7 grams, not 25% of your limit.
How to Check Your State Limit
- Open your state cannabis statute or a state .gov page.
- Search for "possession" and note the unit used (grams, ounces, or both).
- Check if the limit changes in public, in a vehicle, or at home.
- Confirm whether medical patients have a separate limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 28 grams the same as one ounce?
Yes. One ounce equals 28.35 grams, and most labels and laws round down to 28 grams.
Can I carry cannabis across state lines?
No. Moving cannabis from one state to another is a federal offense, even when both states allow it. Airports, national parks, and federal land follow federal law.
Do medical cannabis patients get higher limits?
Many states grant registered patients a higher gram cap or allow more plants. Rules vary by state, so check your medical program page.
Do edibles count as flower weight?
No. Most states measure edibles by THC milligrams, not grams. Illinois caps infused products at 500 mg of THC for adult-use customers.