Understanding Recreational Cannabis Laws in Massachusetts

Some Important Things to Know About Adult-Use Marijuana in Massachusetts

You must be 21 years or older to purchase or grow adult-use marijuana.

You’ll need a valid government-issued ID to buy from a Marijuana Retailer in Massachusetts.

There’s a limit to how much you can carry.

Massachusetts law permits you to carry up to one ounce of marijuana but not more than five grams of marijuana can be in the form of marijuana concentrate (including edibles 500mgs) That can get confusing when you are purchasing different kinds of products in a dispensary. Your budtender will be able to help guide you when making purchases to ensure you stay under the legal limit .

There’s a limit to how much you can grow.

Massachusetts law allows you to grow up to six cannabis plants in your home for personal use, or up to 12 plants for two or more adults in the home.

It’s illegal to consume marijuana in public.

You cannot use cannabis in any form—including smoking, vaping, or eating—in public places or on federal land including the Cape Cod National Seashore. 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.

Keep marijuana appropriately stored away in a closed container while on the road.

Just 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.

Don’t cross state lines with marijuana.

It’s illegal to drive across state lines with cannabis. It’s also against the law to transport it on a plane, train, boat, or other mode of transportation outside of Massachusetts.

Do not mail it.

You cannot send marijuana by mail—even to states and countries where marijuana use is legal. Many think that shipping their marijuana purchases home is an easy way around laws that prohibit them from taking products across state lines. Unfortunately, they are wrong. In fact, it counts as moving illegal drugs across state lines, there are steep penalties to that.

Keep it locked away.

If you have more than one ounce of cannabis in your home, it must be locked in a secure place. In fact, it’s best to lock away all cannabis-based products in childproof packaging to keep kids and pets safe.

Don’t get behind the wheel when you’re high.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Period. Again it’s illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. Keep in mind that the impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. Take public transportation, contact a ride-share, or catch a lift with a sober friend. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk, don’t let them drive high either.

Check the rules where you live and work.

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-state visitors 21+ can purchase marijuana….

However, you must enjoy your purchase in Massachusetts, since it’s against the law to transport marijuana across state lines—whether it’s by car, plane, train, boat, or any other mode of transportation.

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.