Chapter 8.38 — PERSONAL USE OF CANNABIS
Palm Desert Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Palm Desert
§ 8.38.010. Purpose and intent.¶
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to regulate the personal use and possession of medicinal cannabis and non-medicinal adult use cannabis within the city of Palm Desert in compliance with applicable state and local laws. (Ord. 1329 § 6, 2017)
§ 8.38.020. Definitions.¶
"Cannabis" means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Cannabis indica, or Cannabis ruderalis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. "Cannabis" also means the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from cannabis. "Cannabis" does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.
"Cannabis products" means cannabis that has undergone a process whereby the plant material has been transformed into a concentrate, including, but not limited to, concentrated cannabis, or an edible or topical product containing cannabis or concentrated cannabis and other ingredients.
"City" means the city of Palm Desert.
"Day care center" means any child day care facility including infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and school age child care centers.
"Personal residence" means a house, an apartment unit, a mobile home, or other similar dwelling.
"Smoke" means to inhale, exhale, burn, or carry any lighted or heated device or pipe, or any other lighted or heated marijuana or marijuana product intended for inhalation, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. "Smoke" includes the use of an electronic smoking device that creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in a place.
"Youth center" means any public or private facility that is primarily used to host recreational or social activities for minors, including, but not limited to, private youth membership organizations or clubs, social service teenage club facilities, video arcades, or similar amusement park facilities.
(Ord. 1329 § 6, 2017)
§ 8.38.030. Personal use and possession.¶
All personal use and possession of cannabis must be in compliance with the Compassionate Use Act ("Act"), the Medical Marijuana Program ("MMP"), and the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act ("MAUCRSA").
In addition, the restrictions listed below apply. It is unlawful and a public nuisance to:
- A. Smoke or ingest cannabis or cannabis products in a public place, including, but not limited
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/PA4981 on 2026-07-07
City of Palm Desert, CA § 8.38.030
PALM DESERT CODE
§ 8.38.040
to, streets, sidewalks, parks, or any common areas within a residential development, including, but not limited to, private streets and sidewalks, common parking areas, parks or other spaces maintained by a homeowners or property owners association and accessible to residents of the development.
B. Smoke cannabis or cannabis products in a location where smoking tobacco is prohibited under Chapter 8.36 Regulation and Prohibition of Smoking.
C. Possess, smoke or ingest cannabis or cannabis products in or upon the grounds of a school, day care center, or youth center; or smoke cannabis or ingest cannabis within one thousand feet of a school, day care center, or youth center, except in or upon grounds of private residence and then only if such smoking is not detectable by others on the grounds of any school, day care center, or youth center.
D. Smoke cannabis or use cannabis products on city property, including parks, common areas in city-owned housing developments, and other public places.
(Ord. 1329 § 6, 2017)
§ 8.38.040. Penalties for violation.¶
A. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is deemed guilty of misdemeanor or an infraction, at the discretion of the city attorney or the District Attorney in accordance with Chapter 1.12 of this code.
B. Any violation of this chapter is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
C. Each incident of smoking in violation of this chapter is subject to a one-hundred-fifty-dollar fine.
D. The provisions of this section are not to be construed as exclusive remedies and, in the event of violation, the city may pursue any proceedings or remedies otherwise provided by law.
(Ord. 1329 § 6, 2017)
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/PA4981 on 2026-07-07
City of Palm Desert, CA
HEALTH AND SAFETY
§ 8.40.010
§ 8.40.030
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Palm Desert Municipal Code
- Article 1 — MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
- Article 2 — FORM OF GOVERNMENT
- Article 3 — REVENUE, SAVINGS AND GENERATION
- Article 4 — REVENUE RETENTION
- Article 5 — GENERAL LAWS
- Article 6 — INTERPRETATION
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.04 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY TREASURER—FINANCE DIRECTOR
- Chapter 2.12 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
- Chapter 2.14 — (RESERVED)
- Chapter 2.16 — FINANCE COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.18 — BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
- Chapter 2.20 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.22 — ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.24 — REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
- Chapter 2.28 — CITY COUNCIL SALARIES
- Chapter 2.32 — OFFICIAL BONDS
- Chapter 2.34 — BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCE…
- Chapter 2.36 — PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
- Chapter 2.38
- Chapter 2.44 — PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.48 — DISASTER RELIEF
- Article I — Governing Provisions
- Article II — Recruitment and Selection
- Article III
- Article IV — Compensation
- Article V — Workplace Policies
- Article VI — Hours of Work
- Article VIII — Leaves
- Article IX — Disciplinary Actions
- Article X — Grievances
- Article XI — Personnel Files
- Chapter 2.53 — EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
- Chapter 2.56 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
- Chapter 2.58 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.60 — PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.62 — CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.64 — HOUSING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.66 — ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.68 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.70 — HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE
- Chapter 2.72
- Chapter 2.74 — PUBLIC LIBRARY
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.30 — Chapter 3.40 PURCHASING SYSTEM AND PUBLIC PARKI…
- Chapter 3.45 — CHILDCARE FACILITIES IMPACT MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 3.04
- Chapter 3.08 — INVESTMENT OF MONEYS AND FUNDS
- Chapter 3.12 — ORDINARY CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.14 — DISPUTED CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.20
- Chapter 3.26 — GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.30
- Chapter 3.36 — FIRE PROTECTION FUND
- Chapter 3.44 — TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 3.45 — CHILDCARE FACILITIES IMPACT MITIGATION FEE
- Chapter 3.46
- Chapter 3.50 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Title 4
- Chapter 4.10 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Title 5
- Chapter 5.04 — BUSINESS LICENSING AND TAXING
- Chapter 5.06 — CATEGORIES AND RATES
- Chapter 5.08 — DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES
- Chapter 5.10 — SHORT-TERM RENTALS
- Chapter 5.11
- Chapter 5.12
- Chapter 5.80 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
- Chapter 5.82 — REGULATION OF SPECIAL EVENT SALES
- Chapter 5.84
- Chapter 5.86 — BATHHOUSE, ESCORT BUREAU AND INTRODUCTORY SERVICE
- Chapter 5.87 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.88 — OPERATION OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.89 — LICENSING OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS…
- Chapter 5.91 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
- Chapter 5.92 — SOUND TRUCKS
- Chapter 5.94
- Chapter 5.95
- Chapter 5.96 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.97 — FOOD VENDING VEHICLES
- Chapter 5.98 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.99 — FOOD SALE FROM PUSHCARTS
- Chapter 5.100 — ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 5.101 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESS REGULATORY PERMITS
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 6.08 — ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER[1 ]
- Chapter 6.16 — BITING
- Article 6.18
- Title 8
- Chapter 8.04 — FOOD HANDLERS
- Chapter 8.08 — RESTAURANTS
- Chapter 8.12 — DISCARDED MATERIAL ENCLOSURES
- Chapter 8.17 — RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
- Chapter 8.19
- Chapter 8.21 — MAINTENANCE OF ABANDONED PROPERTIES
- Chapter 8.23 — FIREWORKS
- Chapter 8.32
- Chapter 8.34 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
- Chapter 8.36
- Chapter 8.38 — PERSONAL USE OF CANNABIS
- Chapter 8.40 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 8.44 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION
- Chapter 8.50
- Chapter 8.55
- Chapter 8.60 — SEWER CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO PROPERTY…
- Chapter 8.70 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
- Chapter 8.80 — ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES
- Chapter 8.81 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 8.85 — SKATE PARK REGULATIONS
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.58 — PUBLIC DRINKING AND LIQUOR POSSESSION
- Chapter 9.12 — DISPLAY AND SALE OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.20 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
- Chapter 9.24
- Chapter 9.25
- Chapter 9.26 — UNLAWFUL CAMPING
- Chapter 9.30
- Chapter 9.40 — GRAFFITI
- Chapter 9.48
- Chapter 9.50 — MOBILE HOME PARK RENT REVIEW
- Chapter 9.52
- Chapter 9.56 — CURFEW AND TRUANCY OF MINORS
- Chapter 9.58 — PUBLIC DRINKING AND LIQUOR POSSESSION
- Chapter 9.68 — DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.69 — LASER POINTERS
- Chapter 9.70
- Chapter 9.71
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.16 — TRAFFIC REGULATIONS—ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC ENGINEER AND COMMITTEE
- Chapter 10.24 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.78 — ELECTRONIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 10.84 — AMBULANCE SERVICE
- Chapter 10.92 — INTERSTATE TRUCKS
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC ENGINEER AND COMMITTEE
- Chapter 10.16
- Chapter 10.20 — TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND REPORTS
- Chapter 10.24 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.25 — VEHICLE IMPOUND COST RECOVERY FEE
- Chapter 10.28 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 10.32 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.40 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.44 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.48 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.50 — VALET PARKING
- Chapter 10.52 — SPECIAL STOPS
- Chapter 10.56 — LOADING AND UNLOADING
- Chapter 10.64 — PARADE PERMITS
- Chapter 10.68 — RESTRICTED USE OF CERTAIN STREETS
- Chapter 10.78 — ELECTRONIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 10.80 — PRIVATELY OWNED AND MAINTAINED ROADS
- Chapter 10.84 — AMBULANCE SERVICE
- Chapter 10.88 — OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.96 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.98 — COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.99 — MOBILITY SHARING SERVICES
- Title 11
- Chapter 11.04 — PARK RESERVATIONS AND PARK USE PERMIT
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES
- Chapter 12.12 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 12.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES
- Chapter 12.18 — PUBLIC ACQUISITION
- Chapter 12.20 — STREET IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 12.22 — STREET CUT AND TRENCH REPAIRS
- Chapter 12.24 — SKATEBOARDING AND ROLLER SKATING
- Chapter 12.26 — PUBLIC SIDEWALK REPAIRS
- Chapter 12.28 — STREETS AND ROADS ACCEPTANCE
- Chapter 12.32 — TREE PRUNING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 12.36 — PROCEDURES FOR VACATING CITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY OR …
- Title 14
- Chapter 14.01
- Article 1
- Article 2
- Article 3 — Open Video Systems
- Article 4
- Article 5 — Definitions
- Article 6
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.02 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.06 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.08 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.10 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.12 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.14 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.16 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE[1 ]
- Chapter 15.17
- Chapter 15.18 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 15.20 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.22 — HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 15.24 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.26 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 15.28 — ADDRESS NUMBERING
- Chapter 15.30 — CONSTRUCTION SITE SECURITY
- Chapter 15.32 — MOVED BUILDINGS, AND TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
- Chapter 15.34 — SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
- Chapter 15.36
- Article 15.40
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.01 — FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION TAX
- Title 17
- Chapter 17.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.02
- Chapter 17.03 — ISSUANCE OF BONDS
- Chapter 17.04 — FORM AND CONTENT OF BONDS
- Chapter 17.05 — VARIABLE INTEREST RATE BONDS
- Chapter 17.06 — BOND RECORDS AND PAYMENTS
- Chapter 17.07 — BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES
- Chapter 17.08 — ADVANCE RETIREMENT OF BONDS
- Chapter 17.09 — REDEMPTION FUND DEFICIENCIES
- Chapter 17.10 — SPECIAL RESERVE FUND
- Chapter 17.11 — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
- Title 23
- Chapter 23.04 — MUNICIPAL UTILITY—DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Title 24
- Chapter 24.04 — WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
- Chapter 24.04 — WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
- Chapter 24.08
- Chapter 24.12 — FUGITIVE DUST (PM10) CONTROL
- Chapter 24.16 — OUTDOOR LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 24.20 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
- Title 25
- Chapter 25.02 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.18 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 25.20 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DESIGN GUIDELINES
- Chapter 25.28 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.02 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.04 — ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.10 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.16 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.18 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 25.20 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS DESIGN GUIDELINES
- Chapter 25.22 — SPECIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.28 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 25.34 — SPECIAL USE PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.40 — SITE DEVELOPMENT PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.42 — MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STA…
- Chapter 25.46 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
- Chapter 25.52 — LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 25.56 — SIGNS
- Chapter 25.60 — PROCEDURES
- Chapter 25.62 — NONCONFORMING PROVISIONS
- Chapter 25.64 — DECISIONS BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
- Chapter 25.68 — DECISIONS BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
- Chapter 25.72 — DECISIONS BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 25.78 — DECISIONS BY THE CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 25.99 — DEFINITIONS
- Title 26
- Chapter 26.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 26.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 26.12 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 26.16 — PROCESSING—RESPONSIBILITIES
- Chapter 26.40 — DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 26.48 — NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY PUBLIC FACILITIES
- Chapter 26.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 26.16 — PROCESSING—RESPONSIBILITIES
- Chapter 26.30 — URBAN LOT SPLITS
- Chapter 26.40 — DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 26.48
- Chapter 26.49 — DRAINAGE FACILITIES
- Chapter 26.52 — LIMITATION ON FINAL DECISIONS
- Chapter 26.54 — CONVERSION TO CONDOMINIUMS
- Title 27
- Chapter 27.04 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 27.12
- Chapter 27.20 — EXEMPTIONS
- Title 28
- Chapter 28.02
- Chapter 28.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 28.06 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 28.08 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 28.10 — PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
- Chapter 28.12 — VARIANCE PROCEDURE
- Title 29
- Chapter 29.50 — HISTORIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 29.30 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
- Chapter 29.60 — CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS PROCESS
- Chapter 29.10 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 29.20 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 29.30 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
- Chapter 29.40 — LANDMARKS
- Chapter 29.50 — HISTORIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 29.60 — CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS PROCESS
- Chapter 29.70 — PRESERVATION INCENTIVES
- Chapter 29.80 — ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
- Chapter 29.90 — SEVERABILITY
- Title 30
- Chapter 30.01 — RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING AREAS
- Title OL