The complete guide to cannabis in Boston

In Boston, Massachusetts, both recreational and medical cannabis are legal. Still, whether you’re a resident or just visiting, it’s important to understand the city and state laws regarding things like:

• Possession limits
• Public consumption
• Age limit required to enter a local dispensary

Here’s what you need to know about buying and using cannabis in Boston.

Key takeaways

Before diving into more detail, here are the most important things to know about marijuana in Boston.

• Legal age: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use recreational cannabis. State-approved medical marijuana cardholders must be at least 18.
• Purchase limits: Recreational users can purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis or 5 grams of concentrate. State-approved medical marijuana cardholders can purchase a 60-day supply, or up to 10 ounces.
• Consumption rules: Public consumption is prohibited; both recreational and medical cannabis must be consumed in private spaces.

Massachusetts cannabis laws

Specific guidelines around purchasing, possessing, and growing cannabis vary for recreational or medical use.

Recreational cannabis laws

Adult recreational-use cannabis became legal in 2016, following the passing of the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Question 4. As a result, adults 21 and older may possess, use, and cultivate recreational cannabis — within certain limits.

As a recreational user, you may legally possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis on your person and up to 10 ounces at home. If you’re caught possessing between 1 and 2 ounces outside of your home, you face a potential penalty up to a $100 fine, and any amount of cannabis above 1 ounce may be seized. Possession of more than 2 ounces outside of your home can lead to harsher penalties based on the amount and number of previous offenses.

As a recreational user, you can grow up to six plants individually or 12 plants maximum in a household with two or more adults. The plants must be kept in a secure location.

These laws apply to both state residents and out-of-town visitors who use recreational cannabis.

Medical cannabis laws

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

In order to do so, you must have a state-approved medical cannabis card. Massachusetts law allows cardholders to possess a 60-day supply of cannabis, which is generally considered to be up to 10 ounces.

Because growing your own flower is cheaper than purchasing from a dispensary, state-approved cardholders may apply for a hardship registration to grow cannabis or register a caregiver to grow plants on their behalf. Guidelines on how much cannabis cardholders can legally grow may vary depending on the number of plants you’ll need to produce a 60-day supply.

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

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

What are cannabis laws in Boston?

In Boston, public consumption of recreational or medical cannabis is strictly prohibited. It’s illegal to 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 only legally safe places to consume medical or recreational cannabis.

But if you rent your home, check your lease agreement. Some landlords may have specific rules against cannabis use on their property.

When consuming cannabis in a private residence, you cannot expose minors to secondhand smoke or allow them access to cannabis products.

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.

Boston adds a 3% local excise tax to the sale of all recreational cannabis on top of state taxes. State-approved medical cannabis cardholders don’t have to pay these taxes.

Tips for buying cannabis in Boston

To get the most out of your cannabis experience as a Boston resident or a visitor, follow these tips.

• Stick to licensed dispensaries: Always get your cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary. Black-market products are unregulated and may be unsafe or ineffective.
• Compare prices: Find which dispensaries offer the best deals on your favorite cannabis products. By comparing prices across multiple dispensaries, you can avoid spending more than necessary.
• Check local laws: Cannabis laws in Boston and statewide may change as the industry evolves. Stay up-to-date to avoid running into legal problems.
• Consult industry experts: Don’t hesitate to ask a dispensary’s budtenders any questions you have about cannabis.
• Bring your documentation: Both medical and recreational users must have a state-issued photo ID to enter a dispensary. State-approved cardholders must bring their medical card with them to enjoy perks like lower taxes and higher purchase limits.

Dispensaries in Boston

• Ascend (252 Friend St, Boston, MA 02114): Ascend has a wide selection of cannabis products to cover all of your bases, and holds regular deals and promotional offers so you can save money on your supply.

• Ayr Cannabis Dispensary (827 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116): Ayr carries many popular cannabis brands and offers a generous variety of edibles, vaporizers, and more.

Benefits of getting a medical card in Boston

Even though recreational cannabis is legal in Boston, there are many benefits to becoming a state-approved medical cannabis cardholder, such as:

• Higher purchase and possession limits: State-approved cardholders can purchase and possess a 60-day supply as determined by their doctor (up to 10 ounces), whereas limits are much lower and more strict for recreational users.
• Lower age limit: While recreational users must be at least 21 to buy from a dispensary, the age limit for state-approved cardholders is 18.
• Lower taxes: State-approved cardholders can save up to 20% on state and local taxes, while recreational users must pay these taxes.
• Higher cultivation limits: State-approved cardholders can grow as many plants as needed to harvest a 60-day supply of cannabis, but there are stricter limits for recreational users.
• Employee protection: If you’re a state-approved cardholder, you can’t be fired from your job for using cannabis outside of work hours — and if you are, you can sue your employer for disability discrimination. These same protections aren’t offered to recreational users.

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How to get a medical marijuana card in Boston

To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts, you must:

• Have proof of state residency
• Be at least 18 years old (or a minor with an adult caregiver)
• Have approval from a certified physician or advanced practice nurse

Finding a doctor

Before you can apply for a medical cannabis card, you must get a written recommendation from a state-licensed doctor. You can choose to get one through an in-person appointment with a doctor in your area, but just remember that not every doctor can make a cannabis recommendation.

Boston residents can also use telemedicine services like Leafwell to connect virtually with a Massachusetts medical cannabis doctor. Telemedicine allows you to schedule an appointment from the comfort of your home.

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

Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary program ID card that is valid at any dispensary in the state for 42 days. You should receive your physical card in the mail within 1 to 2 weeks after approval.

Qualifying conditions 

To get approved for medical marijuana in Boston, you must be diagnosed with at least one of these qualifying health conditions:

• 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 disorder, including epilepsy and nervous system infections
• Other debilitating conditions, as declared in writing by the patient’s certifying healthcare provider.

“Debilitating” is defined by Massachusetts 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.”

Can an out-of-state visitor purchase cannabis in Boston?

Massachusetts dispensaries do not recognize out-of-state medical cards for medical marijuana users.

However, because recreational use is legal in Massachusetts, those visiting Boston can buy from a dispensary as long as they’re at least 21 years old and follow the guidelines for recreational use.

Other things to know about cannabis in Boston

Boston permits weed delivery services, which are available to both recreational and state-approved medical users. Through these services, a number of dispensaries will deliver cannabis directly to your door as long as you provide your photo ID (and medical card, if applicable, for state residents) when you order online.

Boston also has a thriving cannabis scene. A number of events take place each year where you can connect with Boston-based cannabis businesses, including:

• Boston Cannabis Week
• New England Cannabis Convention – Boston
• Emerald Conference

Resources

• Barbuto vs. Advantage Sales & Marketing, LLC. https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/2017/sjc-12226.html
• Consumption of marijuana for adult use. http://mass-cannabis-control.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Fact-Sheet-Consumption.pdf
• Massachusetts marijuana legalization, question 4. https://ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_Marijuana_Legalization,_Question_4_(2016)
• Massachusetts medical marijuana initiative, question 3. https://ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_Medical_Marijuana_Initiative,_Question_3_(2012)
• Medical use of marijuana online system. https://patient.massciportal.com/mmj-patient/login
• Section 13. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter94G/Section13

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