Legalization of marijuana refers to the reversal of laws that criminalized marijuana cultivation and possession.

Decriminalization of marijuana in California began in 1975 with the passage of the Moscone Act. It reduced possession of small amounts of cannabis to a civil rather than criminal offense.

In 2000, another proposition further reduced the punishment of drug offenses.

In 2010, Senate Bill 1449 was passed, which further reduced the charge of possession of one ounce of cannabis or less, from a misdemeanor to an infraction, similar to a traffic violation—a maximum of a $100 fine and no mandatory court appearance or criminal record. The law became effective January 1, 2011.

In 1996, California Proposition 215 legalized medical marijuana.

Recreational cannabis legalization started with the passing of Proposition 64 in 2016, which made the way for legal recreational cannabis.