Union City, CA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Defined to include
- Marijuana smoke, § 7.13.010
- Covered areas
- Same as tobacco smoking ban
- Medical exception
- H&S Code § 11362.7 et seq.
- Penalty
- $100 infraction, § 7.13.080
Summary
Union City's definition of 'smoke' in its public smoking law expressly includes marijuana smoke, so recreational marijuana smoking is banned wherever tobacco smoking is banned, though state-permitted medical marijuana smoking is exempt.
"Smoke" means the gases, particles, or vapors released into the air as a result of combustion, electrical ignition or vaporization... The term "smoke" includes, but is not limited to, tobacco smoke, electronic cigarette vapors, and marijuana smoke. ... Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, smoking marijuana for medical purposes as permitted by California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.7 et seq., is not prohibited by this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Union City Municipal Code § 7.13.010 defines 'smoke' to include, without limitation, tobacco smoke, electronic cigarette vapors, and marijuana smoke, folding marijuana into the citywide ban on smoking in enclosed and unenclosed public places, workplaces, parks, dining and service areas under § 7.13.020. Section 7.13.060(B) then carves out a specific exception: smoking marijuana for medical purposes as permitted by California Health and Safety Code §§ 11362.7 et seq. is not prohibited by the chapter. Recreational marijuana smoking in a covered public area is therefore treated exactly like tobacco smoking and cited as an infraction under § 7.13.080.
Violations & Fines
Smoking marijuana recreationally in a covered public or unenclosed area is an infraction under § 7.13.080; medical marijuana smoking under Health & Safety Code § 11362.7 is exempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is smoking marijuana in public illegal in Union City?
Does Union City exempt medical marijuana from its smoking ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Public Marijuana Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle public marijuana use.