Massachusetts is the seventh state to legalize recreational adult-use cannabis. Learn more about the Bay State’s cannabis laws, including what you can consume, how much you can possess, and where you can legally purchase marijuana.

Where Can You Buy Cannabis in Massachusetts?

Good news: The first retail stores opened in two Massachusetts cities, Leicester and Northampton, on November 20 and have been serving steady lines of customers since then.

Not-so-good news: Shops are opening slowly, and with only a few retailers open, lines are long—waits can be multiple hours during busy times of the day. More stores are coming soon, but it’s been a slow rollout.

Don’t worry, this is normal for new markets. Many businesses are waiting for licensing to get approved, inventory to come in, and final inspections to be done. These are just some of the requirements for establishing a regulated, compliant industry.

What you can do now: More adult-use stores are expected to come online in coming weeks. For now, if you’re a registered medical marijuana patient, you can still purchase cannabis at a licensed medical marijuana dispensary. Adults 21 and over can also grow cannabis at home, though seeds and clones won’t be immediately available through retailers; you’ll have to be gifted them.

Trending Strains in Massachusetts

• Alien OG
• Banana Kush
• Sweet Tooth
• Goji OG
• GG 1
• Candyland

Massachusetts Cannabis Consumption and Possession Laws

Possession

Outside your primary residence

Of concentrate

Inside your primary residence

Gifted to another person

Consumption

Concentrates

Smoking

Topicals

Edibles

Vaping

What Can You Grow?

Don’t want to wait for recreational dispensaries to open? You can start growing your own strains now!

Within their primary residence, adults 21+ can:

• Grow 12 total plants (maximum 6 mature plants)
• Keep harvest of 6 plants
• Gift up to 1-oz of cannabis
• Grow for someone else who’s at least 21 years old

How to Start an Indoor Marijuana Grow

Can You Buy Medical Marijuana?

Valid patients can qualify for medical marijuana in MA under these conditions:

The Benefits of Having an MMJ Card in a Legal State

What Is the Marijuana Tax Rate?

Massachusetts imposes a 17% state tax on cannabis sales, as well as up to a 3% local tax. Funds are projected to be used on the following initiatives:

• Public and behavioral health campaigns centered on public safety, municipal police training, the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, and programming for restorative justice
• Science-based public awareness campaigns about responsible use, the dangers of manufacturing marijuana products at home, and youth education/decreasing youth usage rate

What’s Legal With Cannabis in MA

Massachusetts News and Resources

Strains & products

Best cannabis strains for beginners

Bailey Rahn