Weed in Bakersfield: What You Need to Know

Bakersfield, California, operates under state cannabis laws, but its local policies are stricter than many other cities in the state. While California has legalized both recreational and medical marijuana, Bakersfield has placed significant restrictions on cannabis businesses and public use. However, residents can still purchase and use weed legally, as long as they follow state guidelines.

Is Weed Legal in Bakersfield?

Recreational Marijuana – Legal Under State Law

California legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 under Proposition 64, allowing adults 21 and over to:

Possess up to 1 ounce (28.5 grams) of flower or 8 grams of concentrate.
Grow up to six cannabis plants per household for personal use.
Purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

However, Bakersfield has banned commercial cannabis sales, meaning there are no licensed dispensaries within the city limits. Residents must travel to nearby cities, such as Arvin, Ridgecrest, or Los Angeles, to buy legal weed.

Medical Marijuana – Legal but Restricted

Medical marijuana has been legal in California since 1996, and Bakersfield residents with a medical marijuana card can:

Purchase cannabis with higher potency limits.
Be exempt from some sales taxes at dispensaries.
Possess larger amounts of cannabis compared to recreational users.

Despite the legality of medical marijuana, Bakersfield restricts dispensaries, making it challenging for local patients to buy cannabis without traveling outside the city.

Where Can You Buy Weed Near Bakersfield?

Since Bakersfield bans retail dispensaries, residents must visit nearby cities for legal cannabis. Some popular dispensaries in the region include:

Lemonnade Arvin (Arvin, CA) – About 20 miles from Bakersfield, offering a variety of flower, edibles, and concentrates.
Mankind Dispensary (San Diego, CA) – Delivers to some areas in California.
Cookies (Los Angeles, CA) – One of the biggest cannabis brands in the state.

Residents can also purchase cannabis delivery services from licensed retailers outside Bakersfield. However, it’s essential to verify the dispensary’s license to ensure compliance with California’s cannabis laws.

Can You Smoke Weed in Public in Bakersfield?

No. Public cannabis consumption is illegal in California, and Bakersfield enforces this rule strictly.

Smoking weed in public parks, streets, or near schools can lead to fines.
Landlords and rental properties can ban cannabis use on private property.
Driving under the influence of cannabis is a DUI offense and can result in serious penalties.

The safest place to consume cannabis in Bakersfield is inside a private residence where it is allowed.

The Future of Cannabis in Bakersfield

There have been ongoing discussions about whether Bakersfield should allow cannabis businesses. Supporters argue that legal dispensaries could:

Generate tax revenue for the city.
Create local jobs in the cannabis industry.
Reduce the black market for marijuana.

Despite these arguments, Bakersfield’s city officials have maintained a strict stance against dispensaries. However, as public opinion shifts, the city may eventually reconsider its ban.

Final Thoughts

Weed is legal in Bakersfield, but buying it within city limits remains a challenge due to the ban on dispensaries. Residents must travel to nearby cities or use delivery services to access legal cannabis. As attitudes toward marijuana continue to evolve, Bakersfield may eventually relax its restrictions—but for now, local cannabis laws remain strict.

weed in Bakersfield