How to buy cannabis in Massachusetts

Please consume responsibly. This section is for adults 21 and older. Adult-use cannabis is legal in Massachusetts for adults 21 and older, and it is illegal to consume it in public places, including bars, streets, parks and in cars. Keep all cannabis products locked up and out of reach of children and pets. Do not drive after using cannabis, and do not combine it with alcohol. This is general information, not medical or legal advice.

This is the short version of what to know before you walk into a Massachusetts store. Every rule below comes from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), the state's education site or the law itself, one claim to a link. For what things cost, see the Cannabis Index.

At the door

You have to be 21 years or older to buy adult-use cannabis, the CCC says.

It also says you will need a government-issued ID at a retailer, so bring one.

Visiting from another state? The same page says you must present a valid government-issued ID to buy.

It also warns that you must enjoy your purchase in Massachusetts. The same page says it is against the law to take it across state lines.

Stores can change hours and stock without notice. Check with the store before you go, and use the CCC's Where to Buy tool, which lets you search for a shop near you.

How much you can buy and carry

The law now sets one number for both. Under the current text of the state's cannabis chapter, an adult may be purchasing or possessing 2 ounces or less of marijuana, or an equivalent amount in products as the CCC determines. Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2026 made that change, and the signed text reads 2 ounces or less.

For what a store can sell you in a day, the CCC's April 2026 order says a retailer cannot knowingly sell over two ounces of flower per customer, counting concentrate and edibles by their equivalents.

The same order sets the concentrate equivalent: two ounces of flower equals 10 grams of active THC in concentrate. For edibles it uses 1,000 milligrams of active THC.

The order applies until the CCC issues new regulations, so older pages can disagree. The CCC's FAQ still says no more than ten grams of what you carry may be concentrate, which is an older line than the order. We cannot tell you which one a store applies at the counter, so ask the store if you are buying concentrate.

You never have to buy up to the limit. Buy what you need, and keep it stored where children and pets cannot reach it.

Taxes

The CCC says regulated products sold by marijuana establishments are subject to a 6.25% state sales tax and a 10.75% state excise tax.

Cities and towns can add a local tax, and the CCC says the rate is set by the host community. State law caps that local tax at a rate not greater than 3 per cent.

Ask the store for your total before you pay.

Where you cannot use it

The CCC is plain that you cannot consume in a public place. The CCC adds that you cannot smoke it where tobacco smoking is prohibited.

That rules out bars and restaurants. The CCC says consuming is illegal at any venue not licensed specifically for on-site consumption. It also says that, for now, no social consumption venues are licensed.

Cars are covered too. The state says an open container in a car's passenger area is illegal, so keep it closed while you travel.

Private property is a different story, and the CCC says people may use it on private premises when the owner permits it.

The state also says employers and landlords, along with cities and towns can set their own policies on use, so check yours.

Hotels are the usual surprise for visitors. The state tells guests to ask about the policy before using anything.

Delivery in short

Delivery is for adults. The CCC says adults aged 21 and up can have an order delivered.

You have to be pre-verified before the order is filled, by giving the government-issued ID card that will be used at delivery.

Deliveries also have a clock. The CCC says they shall not occur between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. unless a city or town explicitly allows it.

For who delivers and what happens at the door, read the delivery guide.

Your first time

The state's advice is short. Whatever the product, it advises going slow and starting small.

It adds that you should start with a low dose and hold off on a second helping until the first has taken effect.

Edibles are the slow ones, and our edible timing guide explains the wait. If you are unsure what to pick, ask the person at the counter, and check the label for what is in the package.

Reading a label

The state's labels page says all legal packaging must carry a red triangle with a cannabis leaf to show it contains THC.

The state's responsible-use page says to always check the label so you know the dose you are taking.

Batch numbers, test dates and lab results are covered in our lab report guide. A menu's THC number is the store's description; the package label is what to trust.

Where to go next

• Cannabis Index: typical prices by area and product.
• Store directory: addresses, directions and CCC license status.
• Hosting a 21+ night in: the home checklist.