A List Of Need To Know Cannabis Regulations In Massachusetts
Posted by Toker Grace on Feb 19, 2020 10:05:18 AM
Massachusetts is often remembered for two specific feats: being one of the original 13 colonies and the home of one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks to ever play the game, Tom Brady. However, most cannabis consumers are just getting hip to the fact that you can now smoke and purchase cannabis in Massachusetts. The cannabis industry is expected to generate over $200 billion in revenue over the next decade. Massachusetts is a promising place where prospective facilities manager can distribute medical cannabis. There is also room for the recreational sales of cannabis. Here are a few important factors that potential cannabis business owners and operators and consumers ought to consider when establishing a successful as well as legally sound cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts.
Disclaimer: Cannabis laws vary from upon state. Although these key points are important when choosing to open a dispensary, This article is not legally-binding professional advice. Business owners, investors, and operators must acquire the appropriate legal counsel in the state of Massachusetts when considering opening a dispensary or obtaining a medical marijuana card.
The History of Cannabis in Massachusetts
In regards to Cannabis, Massachusetts is fairly new on the scene. Massachusetts enacted legislation in favor of medical consumption in 2016. Moreover, the Tea Party State did not allow the recreational consumption or retailing of cannabis until 2018. Cannabis connoisseurs can expect the kinks to be ironed out (or smoked out) over the next decade.
The Medical Marijuana Card of Massachusetts
Similar to other states that have adopted legislation supporting the medicinal consumption of cannabis, Massachusetts has a list of ailments patients must be afflicted with to be granted a medical marijuana card. Some of these ailments include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Wasting Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Insomnia
Cannabis Possession Limits in Massachusetts
The limits of cannabis possession in Massachusetts are pretty similar to other states that have legalized cannabis.
- No more than 10 ounces within a 60-day window for patients who possess a medical marijuana card
Additionally, adults who are at least 21 years of age can lawfully purchase the following amount of cannabis:
- No more than 1 ounce (28 grams) of raw cannabis flower
- No more than 5 grams of cannabis concentrates
Most cannabis consumers will agree that this amount of bud is more than enough.
Home-Grown Cannabis in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has also enacted legislation that will allow individuals who are at least 21 years of age to grow cannabis in the privacy of their own homes. They are limited to no more than two mature cannabis plants and no more than a total of 12 cannabis plants that must be out of plain sight (i.e., front yard garden.) An additional statute states that medical cannabis consumers must have a physician’s recommendation to grow any more than 12 cannabis plants at a time.
Cannabis Businesses and Advertising
Similar to other substances recognized by the state of Vermont, there are a handful of restrictions on the types of advertising cannabis businesses are allowed to execute. Cannabis businesses are not allowed to advertise on radio, television, or any other form of medium where ⅓ of the prospective audience is assumed to be under the age of 21 years (i.e., Saturday Morning Cartoons). Additionally, cannabis businesses are not allowed to sponsor entertainment events even if the majority audience is of the legal age of consumption.
Additional Cannabis Regulatory Information
Getting into the cannabis industry in the state of Massachusetts is a delicate process and requires a tightrope approach to prevent the revocation of licenses or legal action. Be sure to consult with the proper entities when pursuing an interest in providing retail (or medicinal) cannabis products.