Have your ID ready

In November 2016, a vote was held on the legalization of recreational marijuana. In 2017 and 2018, further regulations were enacted to permit only a limited number of recreational dispensaries to operate. In contrast to the nearly fifty medical marijuana dispensaries that are registered, the number of recreational dispensaries is significantly lower.

For more information about the regulations that govern what you can and can’t do, how much you can grow and have, and when and where it’s okay to use, visit MoreAboutMj.org

Important Massachusetts Marijuana Restrictions To Be Aware Of

You can’t use marijuana in any form (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.) in public or on federal land. So if you are vacationing in Massachusetts, please be aware of not consuming while visiting.

You can have up to one ounce on you, but not more than five grams of marijuana can be in the form of marijuana concentrate.

Like alcohol, you cannot have an open container of any form of marijuana in the passenger area of your car while on the road or at a place where the public has access. It must be stored in a closed container in your trunk or a locked glove compartment.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. If you use, don’t get behind the wheel. Instead, use public transportation, ride-shares, or catch a ride with a sober friend.

Laws and Regulations for Massachusetts Residents

In Massachusetts, you can grow up to six plants in your home, and up to 12 plants where two or more adults reside.

In Massachusetts, you may have in your primary residence up to 10 ounces of marijuana in addition to any marijuana produced by plants legally cultivated on the premises. Any amount over one ounce of marijuana must be locked up, and it is best to keep any amount away from kids and pets.

Employers, landlords, cities, and towns may have their own policies about the use of marijuana. Check with them to see what is allowed.

Out-Of-Towner’s Guide to Purchasing Cannabis in Massachusetts

If you’re a newcomer to the legal cannabis industry, visiting a dispensary for the first time may seem daunting. However, with proper preparation, you can enter the dispensary with confidence and leave with the products you desire. 

To accomplish this, it’s essential to research and understand what to expect during your visit, which will help you feel more at ease and make informed decisions. 

How To Prepare For Your First Purchase

First of all, remember that you have to be 21 years old to purchase and consume cannabis legally and you are only allowed to make payments with a Credit Card or Cash.

The rules are strict with cannabis sales and your ID will be checked and rechecked before you are allowed into the establishment, let alone to make a purchase.

There are limits for how much cannabis any person can buy at a time, regardless of whether you are a resident of Massachusetts or not. The current possession limit is one ounce, where not more than five grams of marijuana can be in the form of marijuana concentrate..

Your budtender and other dispensary staff will be able to help guide you when making purchases to ensure you stay under the legal limit.

Research The Dispensary

Just like any other business, reading reviews is an important step to take when considering a dispensary. Checking out their site can be really helpful to navigate and find information on their products, cultivating practices, and lab testing.

Most dispensaries like to advertise their product menu on their website to make the experience more convenient and helpful when trying to find something specific.

The Consumption of Marijuana in Massachusetts

While it is legal to possess cannabis products in public, any consumption of marijuana in public or smoking marijuana in an area where smoking tobacco is prohibited is also in violation of the law.

Non-locals might think that Massachusetts residents walk down the street smoking cannabis like tobacco, but that is completely false. Don’t make this mistake and end up with serious consequences.

For visitors who abide by the “no public consumption” rules, there are only a few options left for them as far as locations to consume their legally purchased cannabis products. While some people may be staying with friends or family in private residences, others will be staying in a hotel or other rental property. Be sure to check with any kind of rental or hotel accommodations before consuming cannabis products – whether by smoking, vaping, eating or otherwise – on their premises.

Some property owners or managers are okay with cannabis use, while some are strictly opposed to consumption on their property. Don’t get kicked out of your accommodations because you didn’t follow the rules. Massachusetts currently does not license social consumption or mixed-use establishments such as marijuana consumption bars or yoga studios.

Carrying and Transporting Marijuana in Massachusetts

When purchasing products, it’s important to carry marijuana and marijuana products in a concealed and enclosed manner. Dispensaries will hand the product to you in a sealed bag or case.

This is perfect to store your products within your luggage, car or other personal property when you are in public. The idea is to keep your products secure and out of sight. When traveling with children or pets, you should be especially cautious about keeping products locked up and out of reach.

Like with alcohol, you should not drive while intoxicated. Unlike with alcohol, there is no specified legal limit to judge against; operating a motor vehicle with any level of inebriation is against the law. It is generally considered safest to wait at least six hours after smoking marijuana containing less than 35 mg THC before driving. If you’ve consumed more, wait longer.

If you need to get from place to place after consuming cannabis, consider a rideshare, such as a cab, Uber or Lyft.

Keep in mind that the impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. Like alcohol, you may not have an open container of adult-use marijuana/marijuana products in the passenger area of your car while on the road or at a place where the public has access.

Taking any amount of cannabis with you when you return home outside the state of Massachusetts is illegal and should under no circumstances be attempted.

The possession of cannabis in any form is no longer legal as soon as you cross a state line, and the possession of any cannabis product is also prohibited in Massachusetts airports.

Many tourists think that shipping their marijuana purchases home is an easy way around laws that prohibit them from taking products across state lines. Unfortunately, that could not be more wrong.

In fact, it counts as moving illegal drugs across state lines, and if you are caught, there will be steep penalties. Again, do not risk the consequences and leave all legally purchased cannabis products in Massachusetts.

Medical Use of Marijuana in Massachusetts

Perhaps you are using marijuana for medical uses instead of recreational. Are the laws still the same? Generally, there are no distinguishing features between medical and recreational weed products – the items you buy in a Boston dispensary are the same. However, registered medical marijuana users receive certain perks; they can possess and purchase more weed, do not have to pay the hefty excise and sales taxes, and the age limit is lower.

How to get a Medical Marijuana Card

In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card, you must be a Massachusetts resident over the age of 18 and approved by a physician and certified by the state. Patients under the age of 18 must have not only parental permission but also be approved by two Massachusetts-licensed certifying physicians, who must diagnose the patient with a life-limiting illness or condition. No matter your age, you must have one or more qualifying conditions:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease

If you do not have any of these conditions, you do not qualify for a medical card.

Once you have gotten certification from your doctor, you must submit an application to the Medical Use of Marijuana Program and be approved by the program board. After you have been approved, you will receive an email from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. You can learn more about how to register with them here.

How Much Cannabis are you Allowed to Buy and Possess with a Medical License?

Those who have a Medical Use of Marijuana Program registration card can purchase up to a 60-day supply or up to 10 ounces of weed.

Is Your Out-of-state Medical Marijuana Card Good in MA?

Massachusetts does not accept medical marijuana cards from other states. You can still legally purchase recreational cannabis but will not receive the perks those who are registered with a medical card do. So while the products will be the same, be prepared to purchase smaller quantities and pay between 17% to 20% in additional taxes.

Where Can You Buy Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts?

All Boston dispensaries provide a wide selection of cannabis products for both medical and recreational usage. However, remember that due to federal regulations, you still can’t bring it with you when you travel out of state, even if it’s medically-prescribed.

Where Can You Smoke in Boston?

Whether medical or recreational, you cannot use marijuana in any form – smoking, vaping, edibles, drops, etc – in public. You can only partake in your private home.