Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts decriminalized cannabis in 2008 with the Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative; before that, an ounce or less carried six months of jail time and a $500 fine.
- It became the 18th state to legalize medical cannabis in November 2012, taking effect in 2013.
- Recreational cannabis followed through a 2016 ballot initiative, so residents can also buy cannabis-derived CBD.
- Hemp-derived CBD under 0.3% THC is legal for all residents, with no limits on how much you can buy or possess.
- Vapes are no longer legal in Massachusetts, though topicals and edibles remain available.
We’re here to take a deep dive into the subject and address the legality of CBD in Massachusetts.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers or legal advisors; however, we strive to provide the most accurate information based on our independent research from credible state-run websites and resources. None of the information you’re about to receive should be interpreted as legal advice.
Current CBD Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts used to be one of the more restrictive states where cannabis was involved, but the narrative has changed quite a bit over the last few years.
In 2008, Massachusetts decriminalized cannabis with the Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative. Previously, one ounce of marijuana or less carried six months of jail time and a $500 fine.
In November 2012, Massachusetts became the 18th state to legalize medical cannabis, which took effect in 2013. Then, in 2016, Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis through a ballot initiative.
As a result, both medical and recreational cannabis options are legal in Massachusetts, giving residents access to cannabis-derived products, including cannabis-derived CBD products.
Furthermore, The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp-derived CBD products for all residents as long as the product contains less than 0.3% THC.
Can I Purchase CBD Oil in Massachusetts?
When The Farm Bill of 2018 passed, Massachusetts residents gained the ability to purchase hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC content. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on how much you can purchase or possess. However, vapes are no longer legal.
Here’s a little more information on hemp-derived CBD products you can purchase in Massachusetts:
Topicals: Yes
Edibles: Yes
Vapes: No
Restrictions: Minor
As always, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for high-quality CBD products. First, make sure they have accessible third-party lab results that show cannabinoid content (because you need less than 0.3% to be legal). It’s also a good idea to have quick access to your lab report in the event you need to prove its potency.
Lab reports also find any harmful ingredients that shouldn’t be there either — heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, or other chemicals. So, even if there weren’t legal considerations, it’s still a good idea to check those lab reports!
Final Thoughts on CBD Laws in Massachusetts
There’s plenty to research and learn when it comes down to understanding the therapeutic benefits of CBD, but things tend to get confusing when you add CBD’s legal status to the equation.** When it comes to figuring out the legal aspects of CBD in Massachusetts, or whatever state you live in — how you can buy CBD, where you can have CBD — we tried to go ahead and do the heavy lifting for you.*We know how confusing it gets rummaging through countless web pages, looking at the dates to see if something’s relevant or valid. Overall, hemp-derived CBD is legal in just about every state, with a few restrictions here and there.
Still, it never hurts to brush up on your CBD knowledge when traveling to another state or country, because things can change quickly when you cross borders.
*State and local laws concerning CBD can frequently change. We recommend that you check your state’s website for the most up-to-date regulations surrounding CBD.
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