Philadelphia County prohibits home cultivation of cannabis. Pennsylvania permits only state-licensed commercial cultivation under the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16 of 2016), and no residential grow is legal even for registered medical patients.
The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16 of 2016, 35 P.S. 10231.101) established a closed medical cannabis system permitting only state-licensed Grower/Processor facilities to cultivate cannabis. Unlike some states, PA does not authorize home cultivation for patients or caregivers. Recreational cannabis remains unlawful statewide as of 2026. Philadelphia decriminalized small-quantity possession under Bill 140377 (2014, codified at Phila. Code 10-2103) making possession of under 30 grams a $25 civil violation and public use a $100 violation, but cultivation remains a felony under the PA Controlled Substance Act (35 P.S. 780-113). Growing any amount is a Pennsylvania felony regardless of Philadelphia decriminalization of possession. Federal Controlled Substances Act also applies.
Cultivation under PA law: felony, up to 5 years for small quantities, longer for larger. Philadelphia possession decriminalization does NOT extend to cultivation. Federal CSA penalties apply.
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Philadelphia County, PA
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