With laws on cannabis changing every year in each state, it can be a little tough to keep up with all the changes. We wanted to make things easy for you, so we put together the most recent information on updates to the Massachusetts Marijuana Laws. Learn more below!
Status: Fully Legal
Decriminalized: Yes
Medical: Yes
Cannabis Stores Across State Open; Delivery Considered by Regulators
On December 15, 2016, Massachusetts legalized the possession and cultivation of marijuana for adults 21 and over.
In November of 2018, the first sales began, when two retail stores licensed by the state began selling marijuana to adults. By the end of the year, 5 more stores opened, and now, you can find more than 20 dispensaries across the state. As of right now, Massachusetts is the only state on the east coast that allows recreational use of marijuana. Maine is also recreational, but may not see dispensaries open until late this year, or early 2020.
There has been significant progress made this year. After some frustrating delays, the social equality program in Massachusetts showed signs of success. Furthermore, a draft published in June by the Cannabis Control Board would regulate social consumption, and home delivery. Hopefully those policies will be finalized by the end of the year.
Marijuana Policy Reform In Massachusetts
2018 – On November 20, 2018 the first two retail stores opened for adult recreational marijuana
2017 – Implementation for retail stores was delayed 6 months from Jan 2018 to July 2018. Even though they had planned to make changes to the reform, the voters fought back, and helped to keep most of the initiatives intact. Governor Baker signed the bill into law.
2016 – Adults voted on ballot to legalize recreational use of marijuana for those 21 and older. This would regulate a marijuana market similar to alcohol. In December, the initiate took effect, and eliminated the charges on cultivation and adult possession.
2012 – Medical marijuana was legalized after voters approved the initiative to help those suffering from debilitating heath conditions. You can learn more about their medical program here.
2008 – Ballot approved by voters would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Check back for more updates on the Massachusetts Marijuana Laws in the near future!
