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Massachusetts

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Regulatory Framework

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is the primary regulatory body for both medical and adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts. Established in 2014, the CCC is an independent commission tasked with implementing and administering the state's cannabis laws. It operates with a degree of autonomy and does not fall under the jurisdiction of a traditional parent department [1]. Commission memeber appointments depend on their role, with the Chair appointed by the governor, and Commissioners for social justice and public safety named by the governor and other executive officers; and by the Attorney General, respectively. As of February 2025, Acting Chair Bruce Stubbins was appointed by Governor Maura Healy to lead the commission [2].

CCC officials also implemented a 2022 law, 'Act Relative to Equity in the Cannabis Industry,' which established [9]: (1) Host Community Agreements between host municipalities and cannabis businesses, (2) new Social Equity provisions and municipal equity requirements, (3) revised suitability standards for agents working for licensed cannabis businesses.

In 2023, the Massachusetts State Auditor completed an audit of the CCC and made several recommendations [8].

Track-and-Trace

Both medical and adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts are tracked using Metrc[3]. CCC also maintains an Open Data page which includes revenue information [4].

Licensing

Businesses wishing to participate in the cannabis market must obtain a license from the CCC. The application process involves meeting various regulatory standards and compliance requirements outlined by the Commission [5]. CCC license types includes:

License Type Description
Cultivator Authorized to grow cannabis plants [5].
Product Manufacturer Permitted to process and manufacture cannabis products [5].
Retailer Licensed to sell cannabis products to consumers [5].
Testing Facilities Authorized to test cannabis products for potency, safety, and purity; or to perform blind tests to verify results [5].
Craft Cooperative Cultivate, process, package, and sell to other businesses only [5].
Licensee Transporter A license endorsement to deliver cannabis to other busiesses [5].
Third Party Transporter May transport cannabis between licensed busiensses [5].
Research Facility Entitiy permitted to acquire cannabis for the purpose of conducting research [5].
Microbusiness Cultivator or Manufacturer limited to growing/purchasing 2,000 pounds from other licensees [5].
Courier May deliver cannabis directly to consumers or patients [5].
Delivery Operator May purchas cannabis products wholesale for sale and delivery to consumers or patients [5].
Social Consumption Retailer limited to sale of cannabis products for on-site use only [5].

Possession Limits

Item Possession Limit
Cannabis on person 1 ounce [6]
Cannabis at home 10 ounces [6]

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. 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. Qualifying conditions include [7]:

  • 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. Additionally, registered caregivers can assist patients who are unable to access these centers on their own [7].

Additional Resources

Sources