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Cannabis Law: Massachusetts

This guide serves as a starting point for legal research regarding cannabis law in the United States, with particular attention to Massachusetts.

Cannabis Control Commission

The Cannabis Control Commission, established by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 10 §§ 76 - 77, "operates as a state agency," in directing law related to both medical and adult use of cannabis/marijuana.

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission logo

Secondary Sources with WestLaw

Massachusetts Statutes

Recreational Use of Marijuana:

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94G: Regulation of the Use and Distribution of Marijuana not Medically Prescribed

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 64N: Marijuana Tax


Medical Use of Marijuana:

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94I: Medical Use of Marijuana


Hemp Production

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. §§ 117-123: Industrial Hemp Production


Please also visit the Massachusetts Court System website for a comprehensive overview of Massachusetts Law about Marijuana.

Law Review Articles - State & Local

Articles are accessible with Northeastern Law credentials, through HeinOnline.

Massachusetts Regulations

Regulations regarding both recreational and medical marijuana usage in Massachusetts are issued by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). These regulations are compiled in .PDF form and are available through the Commission's website, under "The Laws." The regulations are:

  • 935 Mass. Code Regs. 500.000 (2017): Adult Use of Marijuana
  • 935 Mass. Code Regs. 501.000 (2017): Medical Use of Marijuana (this replaces former DPH regulations, 105 CMR 725.000: Implementation of an Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana)
  • 935 Mass. Code Regs. 502.000 (2017): Colocated Adult-Use and Medical-Use Marijuana Operations

The CCC also provides drafts of these regulations, as well as guidance documents for the public. 

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