Massachusetts Cannabis Regulations for Safe and Legal Use

Cannabis

As cannabis regulations continue to evolve across the country, it can be difficult to keep track of what is legal and what is still prohibited. In Massachusetts, many legal boundaries are beginning to relax as the use of marijuana opens up in the state.

However, it’s important that you know what is—and isn’t—allowed so that you can enjoy this hobby safely and legally in Massachusetts. Here are the regulations you need to know so you can feel confident about the right way to use marijuana state-wide.

Recreational vs. Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts

The first and potentially most important thing that those who enjoy cannabis need to know, no matter what state they live in, is the difference between medical and recreational marijuana. Many states will allow medical use but place more stringent requirements or outright bans on recreational use.

Medical cannabis is typically acquired by those who have a medical marijuana card. One or more doctors usually have to help patients go through an online registration process by providing their signed approval(s) in order to acquire a card like this, which permits the person to purchase and possess marijuana for medical purposes. Some people find relief from pain, anxiety and more due to marijuana, which can encourage people to pursue medical cards.

However, many other people simply enjoy consuming marijuana even if they do not have a medical card or need it for health-related reasons. These are recreational users. In Massachusetts, there are more recreational cannabis users than medical users, and the reason is simple—the laws are favorable for both groups.

The state requires that anyone who consumes or purchases marijuana must be at least 21 years of age. MA cannabis rulings dictate that both recreational and medical uses are legal (as per MGL c.94I), but regardless of the purpose of use, the buyer must supply a valid photo ID.

Where and How Much You Can Smoke

In Massachusetts, you cannot consume cannabis in a public place, regardless of whether you’re smoking, enjoying edibles or even vaping. However, you are free to do so in a private location like your home, where you are allowed to hold up to 10 ounces of marijuana.

If you’re going out in public, you can only take an ounce with you until you reach your destination, and you may never cross state lines with marijuana. If you’re driving with the legal ounce in your vehicle, be sure that it’s placed in a sealed container and secured in the trunk. Just like with alcohol, you cannot drive with an open container.

When it comes to visiting from out of state, those who come into Massachusetts are free to purchase cannabis once they arrive due to reciprocity laws. However, because marijuana can’t be transported across state lines, it must be consumed in Massachusetts where it was purchased. Remember to do so in a private location, and know that the rules about ounce limits still apply.

Other Important Rules

The most important rules that affect everybody include how much cannabis you can possess, where you can keep it and consume it, what kinds you can purchase and more, described above. However, there are more regulations that keep cannabis use safe and predictable in Massachusetts. These include:

• Mailing – You cannot mail marijuana products. Even if you would like to send the package to another state where marijuana is legal or a location with reciprocity, this is not permitted.
• Driving – You can still be found guilty of driving while under the influence even if you haven’t consumed alcohol. You may not drive while under the effects of cannabis use.
• Town specificity – While Massachusetts as a state has made a broad set of rules governing marijuana use, your specific town, place of work or residential location may have its own unique stipulations or prohibitions. Be sure to check before you enjoy cannabis in these locations.
• Security – If you store cannabis in your home, it must be locked up. While the law does not require that items and tools related to the use of marijuana also be locked securely, this is a smart choice to keep your home safe.

Trust a Reputable Local Source for Your Recreational Cannabis Needs

Cannabis use is a popular hobby and a way for some people to cope with medical challenges like pain. However, enjoying marijuana responsibly is an important part of the hobby,and thankfully, Massachusetts makes things easy.

At Pure Oasis, we are proud to offer recreational marijuana to hobbyists and help them understand how to enjoy it safely and legally. Our minority-owned business was the first recreational dispensary in Boston and takes pride in assisting underserved communities and making our area better through education, activism and high-quality products.

Reach out if you have any questions about how to enjoy marijuana legally or how to determine which cannabis products might be right for you.