Massachusetts regulators consider expanding medical cannabis access

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is considering a proposal to allow out-of-state patients to participate in the state’s medical cannabis program. If approved, the regulation would remove residency requirements, allowing any adult aged 18 and older from any state to register as a medical patient, provided they are diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition by a certified Massachusetts healthcare professional.

Under the current system, medical patients receive several advantages over recreational users, including tax exemptions on products and higher possession limits. While recreational customers are limited to two ounces, registered medical patients may possess up to 10 ounces. Additionally, medical patients can designate a caregiver to purchase and transport cannabis on their behalf.

Separately, Massachusetts voters will face Question 8 on an upcoming ballot, which seeks to repeal recreational marijuana laws. If passed, the measure would make recreational use illegal again, repeal home-growth laws, and reduce the legal possession limit for adults from two ounces to one ounce. Medical marijuana would remain legal under this proposal.