Massachusetts

Cannabis Regulation in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the numerous states in the United States that has legalized and regulated both medical and adult-use cannabis.[6]

Regulatory Framework

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is the primary regulatory body for both medical and adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts [1]. Established in 2014, the CCC is an independent commission tasked with implementing and administering the state's cannabis laws [1]. It operates with a degree of autonomy and does not fall under the jurisdiction of a traditional parent department [1].

Track-and-Trace

Both medical and adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts are tracked using Metrc[2].

Licensing

Businesses wishing to participate in the cannabis market must obtain a license from the CCC [3]. The application process involves meeting various regulatory standards and compliance requirements outlined by the Commission [3]. The CCC issues several types of licenses, including:

License Type Description
Cultivator Authorized to grow cannabis plants [3].
Product Manufacturer Permitted to process and manufacture cannabis products [3].
Retailer Licensed to sell cannabis products to consumers [3].
Testing Facility Authorized to test cannabis products for potency, safety, and purity [3].
Treatment Center Facility licensed to dispense medical cannabis to registered patients [3].

Possession Limits

Item Possession Limit
Cannabis on person 1 ounce
Cannabis at home 10 ounces

Cultivation for personal use is also permitted, with a maximum of:

Item Cultivation Limit
Cannabis plants per person 6
Cannabis plants per household (multiple adults age 21+) 12

Medical Cannabis

The CCC also oversees the regulation of medical cannabis in Massachusetts [5]. Patients with qualifying medical conditions, as determined by a healthcare provider, can register with the Medical Use of Marijuana Program to obtain a registration card [5]. Qualifying conditions include [5]:

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

Registered patients can access medical cannabis through licensed treatment centers [5]. Additionally, registered caregivers can assist patients who are unable to access these centers on their own [5].

Additional Resources

Sources