Massachusetts Cannabis Laws

Is cannabis legal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has legalized both medical cannabis and non-medical adult use of marijuana.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Massachusetts?

Medical cannabis laws in Massachusetts

2012

• Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative Question 3
• The law took effect on January 1, 2013, eliminating criminal and civil penalties for the possession and use of up to a 60-day supply of marijuana for patients possessing a state-issued registration card.
• With a recommendation by a physician, patients with cancer, glaucoma, and other medical conditions can receive a registration card.
• The law allows for 35 state-licensed non-profit dispensaries.

Recreational cannabis laws in Massachusetts

2016

• Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization, Question 4
• Individuals can possess and purchase up to one ounce at a time, and if driving, it must be locked up and not openly visible. Each household can grow up to six plants, or twelve for those with more than one adult, but the plants cannot be visible from the street. Households can store up to 10 ounces or more if harvested from a home crop.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

• AIDS/HIV
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Multiple Sclerosis (when debilitating)
• Parkinson’s Disease (when debilitating)
• Other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s certifying healthcare provider.
  “Debilitating” is defined in the Regulations 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 do I get certified for medical cannabis in Massachusetts?

With Leafwell, you can renew your Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card in 4 simple steps:

1. Register online with Leafwell – It’s quick and easy! Your data and medical records are secure on our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. Even if you didn’t get your initial certificate with us, you can renew online today.
2. Attend your online appointment and get a medical cannabis certificate renewal online from a state-licensed physician – The process is quick, simple, and HIPAA-compliant. Most appointments take 15 minutes or less, and this consultation fee is $149 for an examination.
3. Log into your Massachusetts account – Once in your profile, you can click Renew Registration and complete the following steps.
4. Receive your new card – Your plastic medical marijuana card will be sent to you via mail within 1-2 weeks of your application being approved. We offer renewal services from $149. If your MMJ Card is due to expire, get in touch with Leafwell today and book your appointment to obtain your certificate. Patients and caregivers can log in to their Massachusetts Cannabis Control account and make applications here.

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Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Massachusetts?

Yes, telemedicine is legal in Massachusetts, and you can get certified for cannabis online.

How much cannabis can I possess in Massachusetts with an MMJ Card?

For medical card holders – Up to 60 days’ supply may be recommended, which is determined to be around 10 oz. 1 gram of concentrate = 5.3 grams of raw flower.

For both recreational users and medical patients, 1 oz. outside of the home, or 10 oz. inside the home.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Massachusetts?

Med & Rec – Up to 6 plants per person per household. Maximum of 12 plants.

Does Massachusetts accept out-of-state cards?

Massachusetts doesn’t allow for medical marijuana reciprocity. However, anyone at least 21 years old can purchase cannabis products in dispensaries.

Will my Massachusetts card be accepted in other states?

A medical marijuana card issued by Massachusetts is recognized as valid by some other states in the U.S. with a medical marijuana program and reciprocity.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Arizona
• Maine
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is fine) — just that the state’s medical marijuana laws protect you to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and intend to purchase medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also accountable to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing visiting MMJ patients to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

• Arkansas
• California
• Hawaii
• West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Massachusetts?

Employers are not required to accommodate on-site use of medical marijuana at the workplace. However, an employee who uses medical marijuana to treat a disability is entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the state disability discrimination law. The employer must prove that performance is significantly impaired by the employee’s use of medical marijuana.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Massachusetts?

Different products require different tests in Massachusetts, but in general, cannabis must be tested for contaminants such as solvents/solvent residue, bacterial, fungal, and microbial growth, heavy metals, pesticides (which are not allowed to be used), plant growth regulators and cannabinoid profile.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Massachusetts?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy or another legally designated space to buy cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.

Massachusetts now allows the delivery of adult-use marijuana and marijuana products, but they must be pre-verified before placing the orders. Buyers are limited to one ounce of marijuana or its combined dry weight equivalent in marijuana concentrate or edible marijuana products per day.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Massachusetts?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks, or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals, or other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members’ clubs and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense, keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.