Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Mass
Recreational Use:
- Legalized: November 2016 (via Ballot Question 4)
- Sales Began: November 2018
- Minimum Age: 21+
Possession Limits:
- Public: Up to 28 grams, or 1 ounce
- Private/Home: Up to 10 ounces
- Concentrates: Up to 5 grams
- Storage over 1 ounce at home must be locked and secured
Home Cultivation:
- Limit: 6 plants per person, 12 per household
- Must be: Inaccessible to the public, grown in a locked area
Purchasing:
- Where: Only from licensed dispensaries
- Regulator: Cannabis Control Commission (CCC)
Public Use:
- Prohibited in public spaces (streets, parks, bars, etc.)
- Treated like alcohol (open container laws apply)
- Driving under the influence is illegal
Medical Use:
- Legalized: 2012
- Program: Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program
- Eligibility: Must have a qualifying condition and obtain certification from a licensed physician
- Possession Limit: Up to a 60-day supply
- Access: Licensed medical dispensaries
Workplace & Housing:
- Employers may restrict use on or off duty
- Landlords can prohibit use/smoking on their property
- Cannabis use is banned on federal property
Additional Notes:
- Equity Programs exist to support communities impacted by prior marijuana enforcement
- Expungement: Certain past marijuana convictions may be eligible for sealing or expungement
- Travel: Illegal to transport marijuana across state lines
Enforcement:
The Cannabis Control Commission enforces rules for sales, labeling, advertising, testing, and social equity.
Massachusetts maintains a regulated and evolving legal cannabis framework focused on public safety, access, and fairness.
