Santa Maria, CA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SMMC §6-12.10, cross-refs Chapter 5-7
- State law tie-in
- Health & Safety Code §11362.3
- City parks/plazas
- Smoking banned, §5-7.04
- First violation fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat violation fine
- Up to $500
Summary
Santa Maria regulates public marijuana smoking the same as tobacco smoking. Section 6-12.10 subjects smoking marijuana and ingesting marijuana products to Chapter 5-7's Smoking Control Ordinance and to California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.3, which bars cannabis use anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited, including enclosed public places and City parks.
Smoking marijuana and ingesting marijuana products are subject to the regulations contained in Chapter 5-7 of this Code and California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.3. ... Smoking is prohibited in all City parks, plazas and public parking facilities. Smoking and ashtrays are also prohibited within a reasonable distance of any enclosed City building or area where smoking is prohibited. ... 'Smoking' or 'No Smoking' signs...with letters of not less than one inch in height...shall be clearly, sufficiently and conspicuously posted... Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable by: (1) A fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation; (2) A fine not exceeding $200 for a second violation of this chapter within one year; (3) A fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation of this chapter within one year.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4818069; v9 updated 2026-04-07).
Full Breakdown
3. 05 prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places within the City, with narrow exceptions for stage productions, walled sections of tobacco retailers that exclude minors, hotel and motel rooms, and private residences. 04 separately bans smoking in all City parks, plazas and public parking facilities, and within a reasonable distance of any enclosed City building or area where smoking is barred. 5. 07 requires 'Smoking' or 'No Smoking' signage with letters at least one inch tall, or the international no-smoking symbol, posted at every regulated building or place.
Because marijuana smoking is tied directly to these tobacco rules, a person cannot light a joint in a City park, plaza, parking facility, or any enclosed public place covered by Chapter 5-7, mirroring the state-law ban on public cannabis consumption anywhere tobacco smoking is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Section 5-7.08 makes it unlawful to smoke where prohibited and unlawful for a person controlling covered premises to fail to comply, punishable as an infraction: up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second within one year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year. Section 5-7.08(d) also lets a private citizen bring legal action to enforce the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke marijuana in a Santa Maria city park?
What's the fine for smoking marijuana somewhere it's banned?
Does this rule apply inside my own home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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