Watsonville, CA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

Chapter 5-37 is titled the smoking control ordinance (§ 5-37.01), and its definition in § 5-37.04 is where marijuana enters the rules of the City of Watsonville. Smoke or smoking means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated tobacco, chemical substance or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana, whether natural or synthetic. Use of an electronic smoking device that creates an aerosol or vapor also counts. Section 5-37.06 then prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and lists places including restrooms, service lines, retail stores, restaurants, sports arenas, polling places, lobbies, hallways and common areas of apartment buildings, parks and recreation areas designated non-smoking by signs, and public parking lots designated by resolution.

At least seventy-five (75%) percent of hotel guest rooms must be permanently designated non-smoking. Section 5-37.09 leaves private residences (except those used as child care, family day care, health care, board and care, or community foster care facilities), retail tobacco stores, bars and undesignated outdoor parks outside the chapter. The list in § 5-37.06 does not name streets or sidewalks. The City Health Officer administers and enforces the chapter (§ 5-37.11); anyone can request an investigation, and any person can seek a court injunction against a person or establishment that fails to comply.

Owners and operators can declare an entire establishment non-smoking. No Smoking signs or the international No Smoking symbol must be posted where smoking is regulated (§ 5-37.10), and the chapter does not authorize smoking where other laws restrict it (§ 5-37.14).