San Luis Obispo County, CA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- County administrative office / staff
- Covers
- Streets, parks, bars, stores, transit stops
- Buffer zone
- 20 ft from entrances, dining areas
- Offense class
- Infraction (Ch. 1.04 fines)
Summary
San Luis Obispo County bans smoking or vaping marijuana anywhere the public gathers, from sidewalks and parks to bars and bus stops.
"Smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted, heated, or ignited cigar, cigarette, cigarillo, pipe, hookah, electronic smoking device, or any other device that delivers nicotine, marijuana, or other substances to a person... smoking shall be prohibited in the following places within the unincorporated areas of the county: ...(3)All public places, including any public or private place open to the general public regardless of any fee or age requirement, including for example, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parking garages, plazas, bars, restaurants, clubs, stores...
Full Breakdown
The county's smoking ordinance defines "smoking" to include devices that deliver marijuana, then bans that smoking across virtually every public space in the unincorporated county: county property, parks, trails, beaches, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, plazas, bars, restaurants, stores, and within 20 feet of building entrances and outdoor dining areas. Business owners and managers who knowingly let someone smoke marijuana on their premises can themselves be cited.
Violations & Fines
Infraction under Chapter 1.04, enforced at the county's discretion by the county administrative office and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ban apply to legal cannabis, not just tobacco?
Can a business let customers smoke marijuana outside?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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