STATE PROGRAMS

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Program Overview

Programs

Medical (2013) – An Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana
- 935 CMR 501.000 Medical Use of Marijuana
Adult Use (2017) – The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act
- 935 CMR 500.000 Adult Use of Marijuana

Dispensaries

MA Dispensaries

Geography

New Hampshire – Medical ONLY
Vermont – Medical and Adult Use
New York – Medical and Adult Use
Connecticut – Medical and Adult Use
Rhode Island – Medical ONLY

Regulatory Agencies

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission

Sales Data

Massachusetts Sales and Product Distribution

Massachusetts Banking Stats & Guidance

Banking Guidance

Position of the Massachusetts Division of Banks on Providing Financial Services to MRBs

The DOB recognizes the importance of ensuring public access to banking services within an environment that promotes trust, confidence, and public safety. For those MRBs that cannot get access to depository and transaction services, or that are not willing or able to afford the costly fees frequently associated with such services, the alternative is often the daily handling of large amounts of cash. Not only does this create very serious safety concerns and invite increased criminal activity, but it is also a very expensive and impractical way to conduct business. Operating in cash also makes the tracking of funds and collection of tax payments very difficult.

In its regulatory role, the DOB conducts regular examinations of state-chartered financial institutions for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance. This includes examinations for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and it has incorporated relevant guidance issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) into our supervisory processes. The DOB’s examiners will, as part of its examination processes, review whether financial institutions working with marijuana-related business are following the FinCEN guidance. Adherence to these guidelines and recommendations will satisfy the requirements of the Division of Banks for institutions under its supervisory jurisdiction.

Adult Program Details

Adults 21 and older may:

Purchase up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
Purchase up to 5 grams of marijuana concentrate.
Purchase edibles containing no more than 500 milligrams (0.5 grams) of THC.
Topicals and ointments shall not be subject to a limitation on daily sales.

Homegrow:

Massachusetts allows residents 21 and older to grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use, or up to 12 plants for two or more adults. The plants must be grown in an area that is equipped with a lock or security device and cannot be visible from a public place.

Medical Program Details

60-day supply; 10 ounces:

The maximum amount a Patient may possess at one time is a 60-day supply—or up to 10 ounces. A Certifying Health Care Provider may deem a larger quantity is medically necessary.

14-day temporary registration; 2.5 ounces:

A patient is limited to one 14-day temporary registration during any 365-day period, unless otherwise approved by the Commission.
No more than 2.5 ounces of Marijuana may be dispensed by an MTC to a Qualifying Patient with a 14-day temporary registration except a Certifying Healthcare Provider may determine and certify that a Qualifying Patient requires an amount of Marijuana other than 2.5 ounces as a 14-day Supply and shall document the amount and the rationale in the medical record and in the Written Certification.

Homegrow:

Massachusetts allows residents 21 and older to grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use, or up to 12 plants for two or more adults. The plants must be grown in an area that is equipped with a lock or security device and cannot be visible from a public place. Registered patients may apply for Hardship Cultivation status where a patient may grow enough marijuana to yield a 60-day supply for personal medical use. Patients must demonstrate that their access to a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) is limited by the conditions listed in the eligibility.