Understanding Boston’s Cannabis Laws for Tourists

Cannabis

Boston is a flourishing city full of exciting and interesting things to do, see, eat, and learn. That’s why many tourists make the city their main destination for day trips and multi-day stays. For those who enjoy cannabis, the city can be especially appealing since Boston has legalized marijuana consumption.

If you plan on stopping by a Boston dispensary on your way through the city, it’s important to understand Massachusetts’ laws governing cannabis so that you don’t get in trouble on your trip.

Boston cannabis dispensaries have plenty to enjoy during a visit to the city. Just be sure you’re doing it the right way!

Here are the main laws and regulations to keep in mind for a problem-free Boston experience.

Recreational vs. Medical Marijuana

Massachusetts has been leading the way in marijuana legalization and consumption, which is great news for visitors. Both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in Boston.

However, Massachusetts does not recognize medical marijuana cards from out of state, so those looking for products that are only available from a medical dispensary may need to look elsewhere.

Medical users are permitted to possess up to an ounce of cannabis to assist them with their healthcare needs while in the city.

Regardless of what you consume, visitors must be at least 21 years old to buy anything from a dispensary.

Paying for Cannabis

Less of a rule and more of a trend is payment in Boston. The majority of dispensaries will only accept cash. This comes down to multiple factors — the difficulty of finding banking partners who will collaborate with marijuana businesses, the greater risk of fraud and theft, and more.

Many dispensaries that only accept cash will have an ATM on the premises or know how to direct visitors to one nearby.

Partaking in Public

Massachusetts law is clear on this point: you may not use cannabis of any type in a public space. Whether you want to smoke or consume an edible, be sure to do it privately. The best locations are in a private residence or while enjoying one of the city’s many cannabis-friendly tours, which use chartered vehicles that are considered private property.

Traveling with Marijuana

Once you have purchased marijuana from a dispensary, you will need to bring it back to where you’re staying. You can only carry one ounce of cannabis at a time, though you may store up to 10 ounces at home.

Thus, if you want more than an ounce to last the duration of your trip, you’ll need to head to a dispensary multiple times.

Those visiting Boston for a short time should plan on consuming all the cannabis they purchase before they leave. Massachusetts law prohibits visitors from bringing marijuana across state lines (in either direction).

You can’t bring it in with you (unless you have a medical marijuana card), and you can’t take it out when you go home. No, you can’t mail it, either — even if your home state also allows for cannabis use.

Storage and Possession

Once you’ve purchased your products of choice, you will need to store them properly. Any open container can get you in trouble, so always keep cannabis in a closed container when driving. Ideally, store it in the trunk or a glove compartment that you can lock so no one can access it until you reach private property.

Once at a residence, the marijuana must be stored securely. If you’re staying at a hotel, consider using the hotel safe if you have one in your room, and keep the product in its packaging until you’re ready to use it.

Hotels and Accommodations

Those visiting Boston for a short time are probably staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or some other temporary accommodation. Always check with the owner or host before consuming any marijuana products on the property.

Just because a hotel room is considered private does not mean that it is permissible to smoke, use edibles, or otherwise partake in cannabis products.

If doing so is permitted, remember to be considerate. Go outside when possible, and try to choose strains that do not leave a heavy odor that will need cleaning later or might disturb guests in other rooms.

Enjoy Boston’s Cannabis Scene as a Tourist the Right Way

Boston can be a fun day trip or an enriching multi-day stay, but no matter which type of visit you choose, make sure to integrate cannabis the right way: legally. The rules aren’t hard to follow, but you need to know them first!

The team at Pure Oasis can help you stay compliant with MA law by advising on how much cannabis you can buy and how to store it. Stop by Pure Oasis’ dispensaries to take a look at all of our product options and stock up for your visit to Boston.