Madera County, CA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it's legal
- Only inside a private residence
- Applies to
- Recreational and medical marijuana alike
- Medical exception
- Licensed clinics, care facilities, hospices
- Scope
- Unincorporated Madera County only
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.12
Summary
Smoking, ingesting, or otherwise consuming marijuana anywhere outside a private residence is illegal across unincorporated Madera County: the ban covers recreational and medical use alike, with narrow exceptions for licensed medical facilities.
No person shall smoke, ingest, or otherwise consume marijuana or marijuana products, whether recreational or medical, in the unincorporated areas of the county unless such smoking, ingesting or consumption occurs entirely within a private residence. "Within a private residence" shall mean inside habitable areas and shall not include garages, whether attached or detached, and other accessory buildings unless those buildings are at all times fully enclosed during the consumption.
Medical marijuana may also be consumed within a clinic, health care facility, residential care facility, or residential hospice licensed pursuant to applicable provisions of the California Health and Safety Code.
All consumption shall be done in a manner so as to not cause a nuisance to nearby residents with noxious odors or other adverse health and safety impacts.
(Ord. No. 687, § 3 (Exh. C), 11-21-17).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code §18.87.070 bans marijuana consumption, smoking, ingesting, or otherwise, everywhere in the unincorporated county except entirely within a private residence's habitable areas; garages and accessory buildings only qualify if fully enclosed during use. The rule applies equally to recreational and medical marijuana. Medical marijuana may also be consumed inside a licensed clinic, health care facility, residential care facility, or hospice. Even where consumption is otherwise lawful, the ordinance requires it be done so odors and other impacts don't create a nuisance for neighbors. This governs unincorporated territory only, it does not reach the cities of Madera or Chowchilla.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 18.87 is a misdemeanor under Madera County Code §18.87.080, punishable per Chapter 1.12, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense; the county may also pursue nuisance abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke marijuana on my porch or in my yard in unincorporated Madera County?
Does this rule apply inside the City of Madera?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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