The Complete Guide to Cannabis in Boston

Welcome to the world of cannabis in Boston, Massachusetts. Whether you’re a resident or visiting, understanding the local cannabis laws is crucial. In Boston, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use, but there’s more to know before you dive in. From how to purchase to the logistical differences between buying medical vs recreational cannabis, here’s what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

Legal Age: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use recreational cannabis.
Purchase Limits: Legally, you can possess up to one (1) ounce of cannabis or five (5) grams of concentrate.
Consumption Rules: Public consumption is prohibited; enjoy your cannabis in private spaces.
Approved Dispensaries: Always buy from state-licensed dispensaries to ensure you get safe, regulated products.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of cannabis laws in Boston, Massachusetts, and guide you through the essentials for an informed and enjoyable experience.

Everything to Know

cannabis laws by state

What are the cannabis laws in Massachusetts?

Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in Boston, Massachusetts, following the passing of the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Question 4, in November 2016. This Massachusetts law allows adults 21+ to possess, use, and cultivate cannabis within certain limits.

For recreational marijuana use, individuals are permitted to possess up to one ounce of cannabis on their person and up to ten ounces at home.

Additionally, they can cultivate up to six plants per person, with twelve plants maximum allowed per household, provided they are kept in a secure location. Possession of more than one ounce but less than two ounces outside one’s residence is a misdemeanor with a potential penalty of a $100 fine and seizure of the cannabis on hand over one ounce.

Medical cannabis has been legal in Massachusetts since 2012, following the approval of the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative, or Question 3. This law allows medical marijuana patients with a qualifying medical condition to obtain and use cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

Patients must first acquire a medical cannabis card to purchase cannabis from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. The Massachusetts law allows patients to possess a 60-day supply of cannabis, which is generally considered to be up to 10 ounces.

Qualifying patients may apply for hardship registration to cultivate cannabis or register a caregiver to grow plants on their behalf. Patients and caregivers may cultivate whatever number of plants is needed to provide a 60-day supply of cannabis.

Cannabis laws in Boston

In Boston, as in other cities in Massachusetts, it’s against the law to consume any cannabis product in public spaces, parks, or work environments, including restaurants and bars. Many living facilities, such as apartments and condos, have smoke-free policies, so checking with your landlord to confirm any applicable rules is essential.

Boston also adds a three percent local excise tax to the sale of all adult-use cannabis. Medical cannabis purchases are exempt from this tax.

Qualifying conditions

The following is a list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Boston:

AIDS/HIV
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
Multiple sclerosis (MS) (when debilitating)*
Parkinson’s disease (when debilitating)*
Nausea or vomiting
Painful peripheral neuropathy
Any central nervous system (CNS) disorder
Other debilitating* conditions as declared in writing by the patient’s certifying healthcare provider.

*Debilitating” is defined by state law as “causing weakness, cachexia, wasting syndrome, intractable pain, or nausea, or impairing strength or ability, and progressing to such an extent that one or more of a patient’s major life activities is substantially limited.”

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Boston

closeup hand holding MMJ card

Even though adult-use cannabis is legal in Boston, there are many reasons why an individual would opt to become a medical cannabis patient.

To qualify for a medical marijuana card, you must be a Massachusetts resident over 18, approved by a physician, and certified by the state.

Medical marijuana patients under the age of 18 must have not only parental permission but also be approved by two Massachusetts-licensed certifying physicians, who must diagnose the patient with a qualifying condition for which cannabis use may provide relief.

You can discuss qualifying for medical cannabis with your current physician or search for a Boston cannabis doctor to learn if your health concern may benefit from medical use.

Many Boston residents have also successfully used telemedicine services like Leafwell to connect with a Massachusetts medical cannabis doctor virtually. Telemedicine allows for more immediate and convenient appointment times, meeting from the comfort of your home while receiving the same level of dedicated, knowledgeable care.

Once you’ve obtained your doctor’s certification and a personal identification number (PIN), you must submit an application and use the PIN to register with the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMP). You can learn more about how to register with them here.

Following approval from the board, you’ll receive an email from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. They’ll issue a Temporary Program ID Card, with which you can shop for medical cannabis for 42 days, and mail a physical ID card one to two weeks later. With this MMP card and a photo ID, medical marijuana patients can freely shop for medical cannabis at their designated state-licensed medical dispensary.

Other Advantages of a Medical Marijuana Card

jars of cannabis on a tables with hands of people visible and an MMJ card

One of the primary differences between medical and recreational marijuana laws in Boston is the age requirement.

For recreational use, individuals must be at least 21 years old. Medical cannabis patients, on the other hand, can be 18 or even younger with parental consent, two physician recommendations, and a qualifying medical condition.

Possession limits also differ between medical and recreational cannabis. Recreational users may possess up to one ounce of cannabis in hand and up to 10 ounces at home. Medical cannabis patients, however, can possess a 60-day supply of cannabis, which is generally considered to be up to 10 ounces but can be more if deemed necessary by their healthcare provider.

The taxation of cannabis purchases also varies significantly between recreational and medical use.

Recreational marijuana is subject to a state excise tax, a local option tax, and the state sales tax, which can collectively add up to around 20 percent or more. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, is exempt from these taxes, making it more affordable for patients.

Regarding cultivation, recreational users can grow up to six plants per person, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. Medical marijuana patients may also grow cannabis, but they can apply for a Hardship Cultivation Registration, which allows them to cultivate a larger quantity if they can demonstrate financial hardship or lack of access to a medical dispensary.

Finally, while employers are not required to accommodate medical marijuana in the workplace, an employee who consumes medical cannabis to manage a disability is entitled to reasonable accommodation per the state’s disability discrimination law.

In 2017, Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court also ruled that certified patients who’ve been fired for off-site medical cannabis use can sue their employer for disability discrimination.

Where to Consume Cannabis in Boston?

person smoking joint on green background

In Boston, public consumption of cannabis is strictly prohibited. You can’t smoke, vape, or consume edibles in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, or any other areas accessible to the general public.

Cannabis consumption is also banned in places where tobacco smoking is prohibited, which includes restaurants, bars, workplaces, and indoor public spaces.

Private residences are the most common and legally safe places to consume cannabis.

Check your lease agreement if you rent your home, as some landlords may have specific rules against cannabis use on their property. When consuming cannabis in a private residence, it’s crucial to ensure that you don’t expose minors to secondhand smoke or allow them access to cannabis products, as this can lead to legal issues.

Social consumption sites, such as cannabis cafes or lounges, are not currently legal in Massachusetts, which means there are no legal public venues where you can consume cannabis outside of private property.

If you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, always check the property’s rules regarding marijuana use. Many hotels have strict no-smoking policies, and violating these can result in fines or eviction.

The Cannabis Control Commission offers a helpful information sheet on adult use consumption in Massachusetts.

Local Brands / Producers

Here are a few of our favorite Boston- and Massachusetts-based cannabis brands and dispensaries:

Cannabis Products Only Available in Boston and Massachusetts

cannabis topical cream

While many CBD and hemp products are generally legal nationwide, companies selling THC-containing cannabis products have to comply with local and state-wide regulations. As such, some cannabis products and brands are exclusively available in Massachusetts – we’ve listed some of our favorites here: