San Diego cannabis law
Do you need a medical card to buy weed in San Diego?
No. Adults 21 and older can buy adult-use cannabis with a photo ID, and adults 18 and older can buy medicinal cannabis with a valid physician’s recommendation. A state medical marijuana ID card adds one thing: shown with a government ID, it exempts the purchase from sales tax. The 15% excise tax still applies.
What the card saves
Sales tax, which in San Diego County is 7.75% to 8.75% and is charged on the price plus the 15% excise tax. On a $100 purchase in the City of San Diego you pay $123.91 without the card and $115.00 with it. The excise tax applies either way.
A recommendation is not a card
A physician’s recommendation lets adults 18 and older buy medicinal cannabis. The sales tax exemption needs the state medical marijuana identification card itself, shown with a government-issued ID.
How much a patient may buy
The usual medicinal limit is 8 ounces of dried flower a day; a valid physician’s recommendation may specify a different amount. The adult-use limit is 28.5 grams. The two limits cannot be combined to buy more.
Common questions
Do I need a medical card to buy weed in San Diego?
No, if you are 21 or older. Licensed adult-use stores sell to adults 21 and over with a valid photo ID.
How much tax does a medical card save?
The sales tax, 7.75% to 8.75% in San Diego County, charged on the price plus excise. On $100 in the City of San Diego that is $8.91. The 15% excise tax still applies.
How much can a medical patient buy in a day?
Usually 8 ounces of dried flower, unless a valid physician’s recommendation specifies a different amount. Adult-use and medicinal limits cannot be combined.
Can I buy medicinal cannabis at 18?
Yes, with a valid physician’s recommendation, at a store licensed to sell medicinal cannabis.
Sources
- California Department of Cannabis Control — Text of regulations — retail customers and daily limits, sections 15404 and 15409
- California Department of Cannabis Control — Retail — customer eligibility and identification
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Sales and Use Tax Law — Revenue and Taxation Code section 6369.6, medicinal cannabis
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses — Retailers
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — California City and County Sales and Use Tax Rates, effective October 1, 2026
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Updated 2026-10-27. Latest source check 2026-10-27.