Can Anyone Walk In a Dispensary in Massachusetts?

Regardless of your age, you must have a valid, government-issued ID with you when entering a dispensary. If you are at least 21 years of age, you will be allowed to enter the dispensary, but if you do not have your ID or if you’re underage, you will be turned away. If you are at least 18 years old and are looking to purchase cannabis for medical purposes, you’ll also have to present a medical marijuana authorization card along with your ID.

Can I Buy From More than One Dispensary a Day in Massachusetts?

You are allowed to visit as many dispensaries a day as you'd like. However, you will only be able to purchase up to the daily recreational limit on that day. Massachusetts will keep track of how much cannabis you're purchasing, and as long as you're staying within that range, you're fine to visit as many dispensaries as you please.

What Should I Know Before Going Into a Dispensary for the First Time?

A dispensary typically keeps its products behind a counter or stored somewhere safe, away from customers. In most cases you won't be able to touch or handle the products until after your purchase. If you’re new to cannabis in general, it’s a good idea to have a goal in mind for what you want a dispensary to offer you. Do you want to feel a certain way after consuming cannabis? Is there a specific strain you want to try? Do you simply want to start with something more suited for a beginner? You can relay this information and someone can help you find the right cannabis product and the necessary hardware to meet your needs.

What Is the Process for Purchasing Cannabis in a Dispensary?

Once you’ve entered the dispensary, there is a process you must go through before purchasing cannabis. First, you may have to sit in a waiting room, depending on the location. Once the dispensary is ready to admit you, you’ll provide your ID (and authorization card if you’re purchasing for medical reasons). When approved, you can head in and begin shopping. At this point, you can browse the different types of cannabis and hardware you may want to purchase. A friendly Cannabis Advisor should be available to answer any questions or help you make your selection. Once you’ve determined what you want, you’ll begin the payment process. At the counter, you will likely need to show your ID again. Once your purchase has been entered into the checkout system, you’ll pay with either a debit card or cash. As a reminder, you cannot purchase cannabis with a credit card. Once the transaction completes, your cannabis will be presented to you in a sealed container inside a shopping bag. Leave the cannabis in the container and store it in your trunk or glove compartment for the trip home. Cannabis has only been legal in Massachusetts since 2016, and people are still trying to get caught up on what’s allowed and what is forbidden in the state. It’s normal to have additional questions regarding cannabis, dispensaries, and cannabis laws in Massachusetts.

What About Consuming Cannabis on Private Property?

Yes, you can only smoke or ingest cannabis on private property. It is illegal to consume cannabis in a public space. This is the case for both recreational and medical cannabis. It's wise to check your local laws to determine what is considered public since areas like the front walk of your home, for example, may be approached differently depending on location.

What are the Most Popular Strains of Cannabis in Massachusetts?

There are dozens of strains of cannabis available in the state, and everyone will have a specific strain that suits their needs best. That said, here are a few strains to consider: 1. G6 – This sativa strain boasts a long-lasting, relaxing, and euphoric effect that's perfect after a hard day's work. It's also known as Jet Fuel and first became popular as a Colorado strain. 2. Mag Landrace – This indica strain is best known for providing sleepy, relaxing effects that may also help with pain relief. It's an Illinois-based strain ideal for those who want to combat stress and chronic pain. 3. Watermelon Burst – This fruity indica provides a burst of sweet, fruity flavor. It's especially good for addressing anxiety but can also provide you with an uplifting, euphoric cannabis journey.

Are There Any Restrictions on Who Can Purchase Cannabis?

Anyone under 18 years old is forbidden from setting foot in a dispensary and is thereby unable to purchase cannabis unless an adult has been cleared to make medical cannabis purchases on their behalf. If you are under 21 but have a medical authorization card, you should present the card and your ID and be cleared to purchase cannabis for medical purposes only. Anyone 21 and over is allowed to purchase cannabis from a dispensary, provided you have not exceeded your daily purchase limit.

Why Can’t I Purchase Cannabis With a Credit Card?

At the federal level, cannabis is illegal. Banks and credit card companies will not allow cannabis-related transactions to occur over their network. Rather than use a credit card, you can use an ATM to withdraw cash before arriving at the dispensary. Some dispensaries have an ATM on-site for this purpose. While debit cards can be used in most places, not all dispensaries allow them. If you’re uncertain, it may be best to proceed with cash.

I Have an Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Card. Can I Use It in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts dispensaries will not accept your medical card from another state. However, if you are 21, you are still allowed to purchase recreational cannabis in MA regardless of your status as a medical patient in another state. This is true even if your home state does not allow recreational cannabis. If you are under 21 and have recently moved to Massachusetts, you must apply for your own Massachusetts medical card.

Do Massachusetts Dispensaries Deliver?

Whether your dispensary offers delivery depends on the location. Not every dispensary will deliver to their customers. It’s best to consult the dispensary’s website or call to find out.

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Your Guide to Cannabis Dispensaries in Massachusetts

Your Guide to Cannabis Dispensaries in Massachusetts

By Danyal Swan June 11, 2023

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On December 15, 2016, Massachusetts voters opted to end cannabis prohibition for those aged 21 and older, thereby legalizing recreational cannabis in Massachusetts. Due to this measure, several dispensaries opened up across the state, allowing people to purchase cannabis and equipment for their recreational or medical cannabis needs. However, cannabis is still regulated in the state, with certain restrictions in place that both users and dispensaries must follow.

Before you make plans to visit a Massachusetts dispensary, it’s vital to know the cannabis laws in the state, as well as the laws regarding its dispensaries.

The Cannabis Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts was among the earliest states in the nation to allow recreational cannabis, butit's important to recognize that the measure came with certain regulations users must follow. Below we are reviewing both the medical and recreational cannabis laws in the state of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Laws

Medical cannabis in Massachusetts was decriminalized in 2008 and officially legalized in 2012. As a result, medical cannabis laws predate recreational cannabis laws in the state.

Medical cannabis may be consumed by those 18 and older who have qualified and registered with the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program and paid the fee. This age limit does not apply to minors with the approval of two physicians and who are diagnosed with a debilitating life-limiting condition. If you are at least 18 years old and have your physician's consent, you may possess up to a 60-day supply of cannabis.

Anyone in Massachusetts wishing to consume medical cannabis must have one of the following qualifying conditions:

HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Crohn’s disease

Hepatitis C
Glaucoma
ALS
And more

Growing Medical Cannabis

Unlike other states, Massachusetts allows medical cannabis patients to grow their own cannabis at home. If you are a registered patient in the state, you can grow up to 12 flowering and 12 vegetative cannabis plants in your home. You can also apply for a Hardship Cultivation allowance, which enables qualified patients to grow enough cannabis to create up to a 60-day supply for medical purposes.

To apply for a Hardship Cultivation Registration, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Financial hardship
Inability to travel to a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC)
Living within an insufficient range of an MTC

What You Cannot Do with Medical Cannabis

It is critical to understand what you aren’t allowed to do with medical cannabis. Breaking medical cannabis regulations may result in fines and other penalties. You cannot do any of the following with medical cannabis:

Consume cannabis, whether smoking, vaping, or another method of consumption, in public places or on federal land
Cross state lines with cannabis or otherwise transport it out of Massachusetts
Mail cannabis, even if the destination is a place where cannabis is legal

Keep in mind that cannabis policies may differ slightly depending on the city, county, or township. It’s always best to research the medical and recreational cannabis laws in place in your area before you consume.

Massachusetts Recreational Cannabis Laws

Many of the same laws already in place for medical cannabis were retained once recreational cannabis became legal in the state. For example, you cannot consume recreational cannabis in public or on federal grounds. You may not mail recreational cannabis, even to a state where it is legal, and you may not transport recreational cannabis across state lines.

Recreational Purchase, Possession, and Grow Limits

There are also additional rules in place for those looking to consume cannabis recreationally that differ from those for medical cannabis. For example, the age and purchase restrictions are slightly different for recreational cannabis.

To grow or purchase cannabis, you must be at least 21 years old. While you won’t need a medical cannabis card, before making any purchase, you must present a government-issued ID to the dispensary. Those between the ages of 18 and 21 must still have a medical card to purchase cannabis. Without a medical card, those 21 and over can purchase up to an ounce of flower, 500 mg of edibles, or 5 grams of extracts in a given day.

The possession and grow limits also differ slightly from medical cannabis laws. You can legally possess up to ten ounces of cannabis in your home, but you can only possess up to one ounce on your person while outside the home. If you are not a medical patient, you can grow up to six cannabis plants in your home for personal use. If you’re living with at least one other adult, you may grow up to 12 plants.

Other Important Recreational Regulations

There are other specific rules that pertain to recreational use, and these should be abided by at all times:

Don't drive while high - If you plan to consume cannabis at a location away from home, have a designated driver with you or find another transportation method, such as Uber, to get you home.
If you’re traveling home from the dispensary - you must keep your cannabis in a closed container, as it is illegal to drive with an open container of cannabis in your vehicle. Store your cannabis in a closed container, then place it in either your glove compartment or your trunk.
Once you’re home - be sure to lock your cannabis container to ensure children or pets don’t get their hands on your cannabis.

As with medical cannabis laws, some recreational laws may be slightly different depending on the city, county, or township. Additionally, if you rent, check your lease to make sure your landlord hasn’t prohibited cannabis use in your home.

Visiting a Cannabis Dispensary in Massachusetts

Once you’re fully aware of the laws surrounding cannabis in Massachusetts, you can begin the process of visiting a cannabis dispensary in the state. To help, we have created resources online to alleviate any of your concerns.

However, the most important thing to know is that in Massachusetts, there are two major rules you’ll need to follow to purchase cannabis at a dispensary:

Present a valid, government-issued ID at the dispensary.
Bring cash or a debit card to make the purchase.

In Massachusetts, you cannot pay for cannabis with a credit card. Some dispensaries may have an ATM available in case you need to gather cash, but there’s no guarantee – it's best just to have your payment ready before you make the trip. Once you have your payment method and the dispensary has validated your ID, they will clear you to enter the dispensary and purchase cannabis or accessories.

And Zen Leaf Dispensaries do offer Aeropay, a debit card payment option!

Massachusetts Cannabis Dispensary FAQs

Zen Leaf: Your Licensed Cannabis Experts in Massachusetts

Whether you're looking for a new way to relax or you have a medical condition that requires cannabis to manage, the cannabis experts at Zen Leaf can help enhance your experience. We offer high-quality cannabis products and hardware to help you on your journey, along with some of the best cannabis minds in the country. If you're uncertain just where to begin with cannabis, browse our educational resources to learn about administration methods, cannabis strain information, and more.

If you live in Massachusetts, we invite you to visit our Plymouth and Sharon, Massachusetts dispensaries. Our team will be ready to assist you with finding the ideal cannabis products to meet your needs. To learn more about our Massachusetts cannabis dispensary locations, contact our team today.

Resources:

The State of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Laws About Recreational Marijuana. Official Website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-recreational-marijuana
The State of Massachusetts. Section 13. The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter94G/Section13

Danyal Swan

Author

Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.