The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has recognized marijuana as a legal substance for adults 21 and over, and the City of Boston reminded residents of the rules and standards that have been enacted with the new law:
Possession of Marijuana
- Adults may carry up to one ounce of marijuana in public. Five grams of that may be a marijuana concentrate.
- Adults cannot have more than ten ounces of marijuana in their residence.
Growing Marijuana
- Each resident in the state can grow up to six plants, but there can be no more than 12 plants in a household. Adults must grow plants in their primary residence in a locked or secured location.
- Plants cannot be visible from a public space without the use of binoculars, an aircraft or other visual aids.
Medical Marijuana
- The new law will not affect medical marijuana.
- Medical marijuana is a separate program overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Smoking in Boston
- Residents and visitors cannot smoke in public parks in Boston. This includes marijuana and tobacco.
- “No smoking” means residents cannot inhale, exhale, burn or carry any:
lighted cigar, cigarette, or pipe, lighted or vaporized substance in any manner or form.
 This includes marijuana, even if it’s used for medical reasons.
Additional Restrictions
- The marijuana law prevents adults from consuming marijuana in a public place where smoking tobacco is prohibited. The law allows for a fine of up to $100 for each offense.
- Under the law, “marijuana products” include:
 edible products and beverages
 topical products and ointments, and
 oils and tinctures.
- Under the law, resident cannot have an open container of marijuana or marijuana products in their motor vehicle. Offenders can be fined up to $500 for each offense.
- “Open container” means a package of marijuana or marijuana products with a broken seal, or with some of the contents removed. Residents must keep an open container in a locked glove compartment or trunk.
- The new law doesn’t change the existing state laws for operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana. It’s still illegal, and subject to the same fines and penalties.
For additional information, visit boston.gov/marijuana, contact Boston 311, or view the legislation for marijuana legalization.