Recreational Marijuana Becomes Legal Today in Massachusetts

As of today, December 15, recreational marijuana is legal in Massachusetts. Lawmakers expect that it will be at least a year before the first retail dispensary licenses are issued. Unfortunately, that leaves recreational marijuana users with only one legal option to obtain marijuana: get a medical marijuana card.

Recreational marijuana is legal only for those ages 21 and older, reports The Washington Post. They are permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Those possessing over an ounce, but less than two ounces, may be fined up to $100. Possession of more than two ounces (outside of a resident’s home) may result in criminal charges. Inside a home, however, adults are permitted to possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana.

Adults ages 21 and older are permitted to grow up to 6 plants, and in homes where two or more adults reside, up to 12 total plants may be grown. Civil fines and criminal charges may be brought against those breaking this rule.

Recreational marijuana sales are only legal when the sale is conducted in a licensed retail dispensary. Before licenses can be issued, a three-member Cannabis Control Commission must be established. This commission will review retail applications and grant licenses to the approved applicants.

Dispensaries are expected to begin opening in early 2018.