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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 [2].

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]. The CCC issues several types of licenses, including:

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 Facility Authorized to test cannabis products for potency, safety, and purity [5].
Treatment Center Facility licensed to dispense medical cannabis to registered patients [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