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Pennsylvania Statewide Rule

Pennsylvania Statewide Ban on Cannabis Home Cultivation

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Facts

Home grow allowed
No, statewide ban
Medical source
Permitted dispensaries only
Recreational status
Illegal
Citation
35 P.S. 10231 and 780-113
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Summary

Pennsylvania prohibits home cultivation of cannabis by patients, caregivers, and recreational users. The Medical Marijuana Act limits production to state-permitted growers, and unauthorized cultivation remains a criminal offense under state drug law.

(b) Unlawful use described.-It is unlawful to: (1) Smoke medical marijuana. (2) Except as provided under subsection (c), incorporate medical marijuana into edible form. (3) Grow medical marijuana unless the grower/processor has received a permit from the department under this act.

Source: Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaView official code

Full Breakdown

The Medical Marijuana Act, 35 P.S. Sections 10231.101-10231.2110, restricts cannabis cultivation to grower-processors permitted by the Department of Health. Patients and caregivers may obtain medical cannabis only from licensed dispensaries; home growing is not authorized. Recreational cannabis remains illegal under 35 P.S. Section 780-113. Cultivating any number of plants is treated as manufacturing a Schedule I controlled substance, with penalties scaling by plant count and weight.

Violations & Penalties

Unauthorized cultivation can be charged as a felony with up to 5 years imprisonment and $15,000 fines for small amounts, escalating to 10 years and $100,000 for larger quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pennsylvania medical marijuana cardholders grow their own plants?
No. The Medical Marijuana Act does not authorize patient or caregiver cultivation. Cardholders must purchase from a Department of Health-permitted dispensary.
Can a Pennsylvania municipality legalize home cultivation locally?
No. Drug laws are state matters. Municipalities cannot decriminalize or authorize cannabis cultivation that the Controlled Substance Act prohibits.

Sources

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