2016 was a good year for people living in the state of Massachusetts as it was the year that marijuana was officially legalized - at least for medicinal purposes. But this doesn't mean that you can grow as much weed as you like Read this article for the latest information on the legality of growing weed in Massachusetts.
Is marijuana legal in Massachusetts?
Since 2016, marijuana has been legal in the east coast state of Massachusetts - as long as you are over 21 - but that doesn't mean you are free to use it wherever you choose. Here are some basic facts about the law in Massachusetts:
- It is not legal to consume marijuana in any form in public or on federal property (smoking, vaping, or edibles);
- You can possess up to 1 oz on your person and up to 10 oz in your property;
- You can grow no more than six plants in your property, and up a dozen plants for the use of a maximum of two adults;
- If you store more than 1 oz of cannabis in your home, it must be stored in a locked location; well away from any minors or pets;
- Just as with alcohol, it is not permissible to have an open container of any type of cannabis in the passenger area of your vehicle while on the road or anywhere to which the public has access. You must keep it in a closed container in the boot (trunk) of your car or a lockable glove compartment.
- Unsurprisingly, it remains illegal to drive any vehicle while under the influence of cannabis or marijuana. If you have consumed weed, don't be tempted to drive.
- Landlords, employers, cities, and regions may have separate policies concerning the use of cannabis. It is always advisable to check first to find out their position on the use of weed. Your landlord might be fine with it, but then again he or she might not, and they can legally restrict you from growing cannabis on their property.
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Although it is legally permissible to have up to 28g of cannabis with you in public, more will still get you in trouble.
Getting caught with over 28g of weed could land you in jail for up to 6 months and fined you up to $500 as long as it is your first offense. Getting caught a second time (and every time after that) could earn you up to 2 years in prison and a handsome fine of up to $2,000.
Medical use of marijuana in Massachusetts
Since 2013, medical patients have been allowed to obtain a "Medical Marijuana Card" issued by the state of Massachusetts on the recommendation of a licensed physician.
This card permits patients to purchase up to 283g every two months from any of the licensed dispensaries in the state. Patients are also allowed to grow this amount themselves.
Entry requirements to become a medical marijuana patient in Massachusetts include:
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C.
- HIV / AIDS
- Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's
Any other debilitating condition so long as it is specified in writing by a qualified patient's certified physician
Recreational use of cannabis in Massachusetts
In late 2016, the cultivation and possession of small quantities of cannabis for recreational purposes was legalized in Massachusetts.
The new law allows every adult over 21 to have up to 283g in their home and up to 28g in public.
Growing weed in Massachusetts
If you are planning on growing weed, you must ensure that it is kept out of public view - without the use of binoculars or other visual aids - and is kept in a locked room. Breaking the law could result in a 300 dollar fine and the seizure of all your carefully tended plants, so it's worth complying with the regulations, however petty they may seem. Growing indoors is a popular option, but you can grow outdoors as long as you choose a discreet place away from public view.
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However, although this may seem straightforward, there is one major problem to overcome if you want to grow weed in Massachusetts legally, and that is getting hold of some seeds. Despite the comparatively benign legislation, it is not legal to buy seeds or seedlings anywhere in the state of Massachusetts. One way around this is to persuade someone you know to 'gift' you some plants, as gifts are allowed. You check out local social media forums for advice from other growers about the best place to source seeds or plants. Or you could purchase your seeds from online retailers that are based in other countries, although this is something of a gray area where the law is concerned. Always choose a reputable seller such as Weedseedsexpress who supply seeds with strong genetics and can offer expert advice on each strain.
Once you have harvested your crop, remember that it is illegal to sell it in Massachusetts, as and is for personal consumption only; although you could always give some to friends or family. There are also restrictions on the extraction of marijuana at home; you can't use butane or anything highly flammable at home, which can be extremely dangerous.
What are the best strains to grow in Massachusetts outdoors?
Hazes do particularly well in the climate of Massachusetts, which has a mainly humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Amnesia Haze and Purple Haze will do well, and White Widow is also popular with growers in the state. It might be advisable to start seeds indoors and then transplant out once the danger of frosts has passed.
Growers in Massachusetts are fortunate in at least two respects. The recently updated laws are progressive enough to grow a wide range of strains with a good probability of reaching harvest with mature buds well before the summer is over. Why not pop some seeds in the ground and find out for yourself how lucky you are!