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Massachusetts Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker | Glamorous Hemp
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Massachusetts Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Massachusetts Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Overview

Massachusetts has been at the forefront of cannabis reform in the United States, with a complex regulatory framework that has evolved significantly over time. This resource tracks the development of hemp and cannabis legislation in the Commonwealth, providing up-to-date information on legal status, key regulations, and available resources.

Current Legal Status

Massachusetts has legalized both medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis, while also establishing regulations for hemp cultivation and processing following the 2018 Farm Bill. The Commonwealth maintains separate regulatory frameworks for marijuana (cannabis with >0.3% THC) and hemp (cannabis with ≤0.3% THC).

Cannabinoid Legal Status in Massachusetts

THC

Legal (with restrictions)

21+ for recreational use

Medical patients with card

CBD

Legal

From hemp (≤0.3% THC)

No age restrictions for hemp-derived

CBG

Legal

From hemp (≤0.3% THC)

No specific regulations

CBN

Legal

From hemp (≤0.3% THC)

No specific regulations

Delta-8 THC

Restricted

Regulated as cannabis if >0.3% total THC

Legal status debated

Delta-10 THC

Restricted

Regulated as cannabis if >0.3% total THC

Legal status debated

HHC

Restricted

Synthetic cannabinoids unclear status

Potentially regulated as cannabis

THCP

Illegal when isolated

Not explicitly addressed

Likely regulated as cannabis derivative

Detailed Cannabinoid Regulation Table

Cannabinoid Legal Status Source Restrictions Age Restrictions Notes
THC (Delta-9) Legal with restrictions Licensed cannabis businesses only 21+ recreational, 18+ medical with card Purchase limits: 1 oz flower, 5g concentrate
CBD Legal Hemp (≤0.3% THC) or licensed cannabis None for hemp-derived, 21+ for cannabis-derived Widely available in retail stores
CBG Legal Hemp (≤0.3% THC) or licensed cannabis None for hemp-derived, 21+ for cannabis-derived No specific regulations
CBN Legal Hemp (≤0.3% THC) or licensed cannabis None for hemp-derived, 21+ for cannabis-derived No specific regulations
Delta-8 THC Restricted Legal if hemp-derived, but status unclear 21+ if regulated as cannabis Subject to total THC calculation debate
Delta-10 THC Restricted Legal if hemp-derived, but status unclear 21+ if regulated as cannabis Subject to total THC calculation debate
HHC Restricted Synthetic production method may affect legality 21+ if regulated as cannabis Regulatory status remains unclear
THCV Restricted Legal if hemp-derived within THC limits 21+ if regulated as cannabis Minor cannabinoid with ambiguous status
THCP Likely Illegal when isolated Not specifically addressed in regulations 21+ if regulated as cannabis Potent cannabinoid, likely regulated as controlled substance

Massachusetts Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Timeline

2008

Massachusetts decriminalizes possession of small amounts of marijuana (less than one ounce) through Ballot Question 2, making it a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine.

2012

Massachusetts voters approve Ballot Question 3, legalizing medical marijuana. The law allows qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to possess up to a 60-day supply of marijuana for personal medical use.

2014

First medical marijuana dispensaries open in Massachusetts under the regulation of the Department of Public Health.

2016

Massachusetts voters approve Ballot Question 4, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The law allows possession of up to one ounce in public and up to ten ounces at home.

2017

July 2017: Governor Charlie Baker signs Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017, which amended and revised the recreational marijuana law. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is established as the regulatory body for the state's marijuana industry.

2018

November 2018: First recreational marijuana retail stores open in Massachusetts.

December 2018: Federal 2018 Farm Bill legalizes hemp nationwide, separating it from marijuana's Schedule I status and defining it as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC.

2019

Massachusetts establishes a state hemp program under the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), allowing for the cultivation of hemp with proper licensing.

MDAR issues policy statement prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived CBD in food, dietary supplements, and as a cure, remedy, or treatment for disease.

2020

Cannabis deemed "essential business" during COVID-19 pandemic, allowing operations to continue.

CCC approves regulations for marijuana delivery licenses and social consumption establishments.

2021

Massachusetts starts issuing cannabis delivery licenses with a focus on social equity applicants.

State regulators begin addressing the legal status of delta-8 THC and other hemp derivatives.

2022

Cannabis Control Commission approves new regulations for medical marijuana program, including expanded telehealth options.

Massachusetts surpasses $3 billion in recreational cannabis sales since market opened.

2023

Continued expansion of social equity programs in the cannabis industry.

Regulatory discussions regarding synthetic cannabinoids and hemp derivatives intensify.

2024

Ongoing discussions about potential updates to hemp regulations and minor cannabinoid oversight.

Further development of cannabis delivery and social consumption frameworks.

Key Regulatory Agencies & Resources

Cannabis Control Commission (CCC)

The primary regulatory authority for medical and adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts.

Visit Website

MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)

Regulates hemp cultivation, processing, and certain hemp products in Massachusetts.

Hemp Program

Social Equity Program

Initiative to ensure those most impacted by cannabis prohibition have access to the cannabis industry.

Learn More

Medical Use of Marijuana Program

Resources for patients and caregivers accessing medical cannabis in Massachusetts.

Program Info

Massachusetts Hemp Industry Association

Trade organization representing hemp farmers, processors, and businesses in Massachusetts.

Visit Website

MA State Laboratory Testing Requirements

Information about required testing for cannabis and hemp products in Massachusetts.

Testing Protocols

Legislative References & Key Documents