El Cajon, CA Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)
Key Facts
- Outdoor Growing
- Prohibited: city ban (Jan 2016)
- Indoor Growing
- Up to 6 plants per residence (Prop 64)
- Requirements
- Locked space, not visible from public
- State Law
- CA H&S Code §11362.2
- Landlord Rules
- May prohibit in lease terms
Summary
El Cajon prohibits all outdoor cannabis cultivation. Indoor cultivation of up to six plants per residence is protected under Proposition 64 (CA Health & Safety Code Section 11362.2) but must not be visible or detectable from outside. The city banned all cultivation in January 2016.
11362.2.
(a) Personal cultivation of cannabis under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 11362.1 is subject to the following restrictions:
(1) A person shall plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process plants in accordance with local ordinances, if any, adopted in accordance with subdivision (b).
(2) The living plants and any cannabis produced by the plants in excess of 28.5 grams are kept within the person's private residence, or upon the grounds of that private residence (e.g., in an outdoor garden area), are in a locked space, and are not visible by normal unaided vision from a public place.
(3) Not more than six living plants may be planted, cultivated, harvested, dried, or processed within a single private residence, or upon the grounds of that private residence, at one time.
(b) (1) A city, county, or city and county may enact and enforce reasonable regulations to regulate the actions and conduct in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 11362.1.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a city, county, or city and county shall not completely prohibit persons engaging in the actions and conduct under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 11362.1 inside a private residence, or inside an accessory structure to a private residence located upon the grounds of a private residence that is fully enclosed and secure.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 11362.1, a city, county, or city and county may completely prohibit persons from engaging in actions and conduct under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 11362.1 outdoors upon the grounds of a private residence.
(5) For purposes of this section, "private residence" means a house, an apartment unit, a mobile home, or other similar dwelling.
Full Breakdown
The City of El Cajon specifically voted in January 2016 to prohibit any type of marijuana cultivation, distribution, and delivery services. Outdoor cultivation of any amount is banned within city limits. However, under California Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act), adults 21 and older may cultivate up to six plants indoors per residence for personal use. This state law preempts local bans on indoor personal cultivation. The plants must be in a locked space not visible from a public place. Landlords may prohibit cultivation in rental properties through lease terms. Medical marijuana patients retain their rights under the Compassionate Use Act to cultivate for personal medical use.
Violations & Fines
Outdoor cultivation violates the El Cajon municipal ban and is subject to code enforcement. Cultivating more than six plants without a license is a misdemeanor under California Health and Safety Code. Indoor cultivation violating visibility or security requirements may be cited under both city and state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow cannabis outdoors in El Cajon?
Can I grow cannabis indoors in El Cajon?
Can my landlord prohibit cannabis growing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Cajon
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