Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Massachusetts
Legal Status
- Medical Marijuana: Legal since 2012 (via ballot initiative).
- Recreational Marijuana: Legal since 2016 (Question 4 ballot approval).
Possession Limits
- Public: One ounce (28 grams) or more of flower.
- Private (at home): Up to 10 ounces.
- Concentrates: Up to 5 grams.
- Edibles: Equivalent THC limits apply.
Cultivation
- Personal: Up to 6 plants per adult, 12 plants per household.
- Plants need to be kept away of the public eye and in a safe, enclosed area.
Purchasing and Sales
- Age Requirement: 21 or older for recreational use.
- Retail: Licensed dispensaries regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission.
- Taxes:
- 6.25% state sales tax
- 10.75% state excise tax
- Up to 3% local tax
- ~20% total tax on recreational purchases
Medical Use
- Requires certification by a state-registered physician.
- Registered patients may possess larger quantities and access medical dispensaries.
Restrictions
- Public Use: Illegal (includes streets, parks, and vehicles).
- Driving Under Influence: Illegal (subject to DUI laws).
- Federal Property: Cannabis is prohibited (federal law applies).
- Employment: Employers may enforce drug-free policies.
- Housing: Landlords may ban marijuana use on their property.
Enforcement & Regulation
- Oversight by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.
- Ongoing focus on social equity, safety, and public health.
Marijuana is fully legal in Massachusetts, but regulated with clear rules on possession, use, and sale.
