San Diego cannabis law
How old do you have to be to buy weed in San Diego?
You must be 21 or older to buy adult-use cannabis in San Diego, and the store checks a valid government-issued photo ID before every sale: a driver’s license, a military ID, or a U.S. or foreign passport. Adults 18 to 20 may buy medicinal cannabis only with a valid physician’s recommendation.
The ID a store accepts
A licensed store must confirm every customer’s age and identity from a valid government-issued ID with a photo before it sells anything. That includes:
- A driver’s license or other government ID with your name, date of birth and photo.
- A military identification card.
- A passport issued by the United States or by a foreign government.
Ages 18 to 20: medicinal only
Adults 18 and older may buy medicinal cannabis with a valid physician’s recommendation, at a store licensed to sell it. A state medical ID card is not required to buy, but it is what exempts a medicinal purchase from sales tax.
Service members
A military ID proves your age at the counter. It does not make cannabis lawful for you: federal military law prohibits service members from using or possessing it, whatever California allows.
Common questions
Can I buy weed at 18 in San Diego?
Only medicinal cannabis, with a valid physician’s recommendation. Adult-use purchases require customers to be 21 or older.
Will a dispensary accept a foreign passport?
Yes. A valid passport issued by the United States or by a foreign government is an accepted ID.
Does a military ID work at a dispensary?
Yes, a valid military identification card is an accepted ID. Federal military law still prohibits service members from using cannabis.
Do I need ID if I clearly look over 21?
Yes. A licensed store must confirm every customer’s age and identity from a valid ID before each sale.
Sources
- California Department of Cannabis Control — Text of regulations — identification, exit packaging and delivery, sections 15404, 15413, 15415 and 15416
- California Department of Cannabis Control — Retail — customer eligibility and identification
- California Department of Cannabis Control — Text of regulations — retail customers and daily limits, sections 15404 and 15409
- United States Code — 10 U.S.C. 912a — UCMJ Article 112a, wrongful use or possession of controlled substances
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Updated 2026-10-27. Latest source check 2026-10-27.