Massachusetts Cannabis Laws and Regulations
Known as the Bay State, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to just under 7 million residents – nearly 700,000 of whom live in Boston.
The state boasts an array of iconic events and destinations. Sports fans and athletes flock to Boston, the state’s largest city, each year for the Boston Marathon or to take in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Boston is also home to the beautiful Emerald Necklace, consisting of the Boston Public Garden, Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park, and Esplanade. And scenic Cape Cod offers kayaking, cycling, trails, sailing, and fishing.
Massachusetts decriminalized cannabis in 2008, and in 2012, medical marijuana was made legal. A short four years later, the state legalized adult-use cannabis sales. However, local jurisdictions are still allowed to ban cannabis retail locations, creating additional barriers for Massachusetts medical marijuana patients.
As of February 2024, the Bay State had over 300 adult-use retailers, 102 medical marijuana dispensaries, 22 cannabis delivery services, and over 90,000 medical marijuana patients.
Is Weed Legal in Massachusetts?
YES. Adults aged 21 and over can legally use cannabis for medicinal or recreational use in the state of Massachusetts.
Weed Legalization in Massachusetts
Massachusetts was the first state in the United States to make cannabis illegal without a prescription in 1911. It wasn’t until 2008 that Massachusetts began making moves to support cannabis when voters passed the Massachusetts Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative, decriminalizing possession of less than one ounce of cannabis.
Four years later, in 2012, voters legalized medical marijuana by passing the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative. Massachusetts implemented its medical marijuana program shortly after that in 2013, making it the 18th state to legalize medical marijuana.
To obtain medical marijuana, patients must have a qualifying medical condition and provide their certification to receive a PIN. This PIN enables patients to register with the Massachusetts medical marijuana program. Massachusetts state-licensed MDs or DOs are permitted to participate in making recommendations as long as they have at least one established practice within the state and have a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR). Similar regulations also exist for Nurse Practitioners and physician assistants.
In 2016, Massachusetts passed Question 4, The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, which legalized adult-use cannabis sales. While legislators slowed the opening of adult-use cannabis stores, recreational sales of cannabis began two years later in November of 2018.
As of 2024, the consumption of cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational use in the state of Massachusetts.
Where to Buy Legal Weed in Massachusetts
Adults aged 21 and older can purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries.
The state levies a 17% tax on recreational marijuana purchases, which includes:
- State sales tax (6.25%)
- Excise Tax (10.75%)
Local jurisdictions may also implement a tax of up to 3% on recreational cannabis sales. Medical cannabis patients are exempt from state and local sales and excise taxes on cannabis purchases.
In 2022, over $88.75 million in sales tax and $152.65 million in excise tax were collected on the sale of adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts. Tax revenue collected on recreational marijuana sales is allocated to several funds, including public and behavioral health, public safety, municipal police training, a Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, and programs for restorative justice, jail diversion, workforce development, and mentoring services for those disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
Is Cannabis Delivery Available in Massachusetts?
YES. Adults aged 21 and over can legally order marijuana delivery for medicinal or recreational use in the state of Massachusetts.
Where Can You Legally Use Weed in Massachusetts?
Cannabis can be legally used in the following areas in Massachusetts:
🗹 Private properties such as residences
Cannabis CANNOT be consumed in:
X Public spaces
X Motorized vehicles in motion, for both driver and passengers
X Federal land
Cannabis must be stored in a closed container and kept in a locked glove compartment or trunk while on the road or in a location with public access.
Additionally, employers, landlords, cities, and towns may implement their own policies about the use of both medical and recreational cannabis.
What are the Restrictions on Cannabis Possession in Massachusetts?
Adults aged 21 and above may purchase up to:
Cannabis: 1 ounce / 28 grams
Adults aged 21 and above may possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis at home. If an individual possesses more than one ounce of cannabis, it must be locked up and in a secure place.
Under Massachusetts law regarding recreational cannabis sales, one ounce of marijuana is equivalent to 5 grams of THC in concentrates, including tinctures or other concentrated products, with the exception of topicals.
One ounce of marijuana equals 500mg of THC in edible products. Per package, cannabis edibles can have up to 110mg of THC and are limited to 5mg per dose.
Topical products do not have a daily sales limit.
For the state’s home cultivation program:
Recreational consumers and medical cannabis patients may grow up to 6 plants for individuals or up to 12 plants for two or more adults. Without a Hardship Cultivation Registration medical marijuana patients can grow 12 immature and 12 mature plants each. Cannabis plants must be kept in a secure area and not visible from a public place.
Massachusetts medical marijuana patients can apply for a Hardship Cultivation Registration if they are experiencing financial hardship or cannot travel to a medical marijuana treatment center. This registration permits registered patients or their caregivers to cultivate enough plants to maintain a 60-day supply of marijuana.
For medicinal use:
Dried cannabis: 10 ounces / 283.5 grams
During vehicular transportation:
- Cannabis must be in a sealed container and stored in the vehicle's trunk or locked glove box compartment.
Have Questions About Getting a Medical Card in Massachusetts?
Learn more about medical cannabis in Massachusetts with our extensive set of patient resources:
