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
- Wikpedia: Cannabis in Massachusetts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Massachusetts
Sources
- [1] Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/cannabis-control-commission
- [2] Metrc: https://www.metrc.com/
- [3] Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission: Types of Licenses: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-recreational-marijuana
- [4] Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission: Possession and Cultivation Limits: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-recreational-marijuana
- [5] Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission: Medical Marijuana Program: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-medical-marijuana
- [6] Wikipedia: Cannabis in Massachusetts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Massachusetts