Weed in Riverside: The State of Cannabis in the Inland Empire

Riverside, California, sits in a unique position when it comes to cannabis. As part of California, where recreational marijuana has been legal since 2016 under Proposition 64, many people assume they can easily buy and use weed anywhere. However, Riverside has strict local laws that limit cannabis businesses, making it more challenging to find dispensaries compared to cities like Los Angeles or San Diego.

If you’re in Riverside and wondering about weed laws, where to buy, and where you can legally smoke, here’s what you need to know.

Is Weed Legal in Riverside?

Yes, but with restrictions. California law allows adults 21 and older to:

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

However, while the state allows legal sales, each city can set its own rules, and Riverside has historically banned dispensaries within city limits.

Can You Buy Weed in Riverside?

Unlike other major cities in California, Riverside has taken a conservative approach to cannabis businesses. While surrounding areas like Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, and Palm Springs have dispensaries, Riverside itself does not allow recreational cannabis shops.

That means if you want to buy weed legally, you’ll need to visit a nearby city with licensed dispensaries or use delivery services, which remain an option for Riverside residents.

Some popular nearby dispensaries include:

Empire Gardens (Jurupa Valley) – One of the closest options for Riverside residents.
Beyond Hello (Palm Springs) – A high-end dispensary with a wide selection of products.
Lighthouse Dispensary (Coachella) – Known for great customer service and deals.

Weed Delivery in Riverside

Since there are no local dispensaries, delivery services are a convenient way to get weed in Riverside. Under California law, cannabis delivery is legal statewide, meaning you can order from licensed retailers and have it delivered to your home.

Some popular cannabis delivery services in Riverside include:

Eaze – A well-known platform that delivers all types of cannabis products.
Amuse – Offers premium cannabis with frequent discounts.
Grassdoor – Known for fast delivery times and a wide selection.

Can You Smoke Weed in Riverside?

While weed is legal, smoking it in public places is not. Under California law, you cannot smoke cannabis:

In public parks or sidewalks.
Near schools or childcare centers.
Inside most hotels and rental properties.

The best place to smoke is in a private home, or if you’re renting, make sure your landlord allows it. Some 420-friendly Airbnbs in Riverside permit cannabis use, but it’s always best to check before booking.

The Future of Weed in Riverside

Riverside’s government has been slow to embrace the cannabis industry, but with growing demand and increasing tax revenue in other cities, there’s potential for change. In the future, we may see dispensaries opening within Riverside, making access more convenient for residents.

For now, the best option for cannabis in Riverside is to use delivery services or visit nearby cities where dispensaries are legal.