In 2008, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure that replaced criminal penalties for the possession of one ounce or less of weed with a system of civil penalties. That law is usually described as decriminalization. In 2012, Massachusetts voters approved an initiative making marijuana legal for medical use.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/11/08/pot/nn0rImK95SxMkC9Y0GaKsI/story.html
Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is punishable by a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. However, first offenders of the controlled substances act will be placed on probation and all official records relating to the conviction will be sealed upon successful completion of probation.
http://norml.org/laws/item/massachusetts-penalties-2
The law, passed as a ballot measure known as Question 4, would allow people 21 years and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana outside their residence and possess up to 10 ounces inside the residence. That goes into effect on Dec. 15, 2016. These 13 Massachusetts towns really wanted weed legalized. Here's what happens next, with a major caveat. There are deadlines and other provisions within the law. But the Massachusetts Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker, one of the top opponents of the measure, hold the power to rewrite the law.
http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/massachusetts_just_passed_mari.html
Massachusetts Marijuana Laws. Marijuana possession, sale, and manufacture are regulated by both state and federal law. In Massachusetts, marijuana is classified as a class D substance, and until recently was completely illegal. (Mass.
http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/marijuana-laws-and-penalties/massachusetts.htm
Globe Staff November 08, 2016. Massachusetts voters on Tuesday legalized marijuana for recreational use, sweeping away more than a century of prohibition and opening the door to a massive new industry. The vote means the drug will become legal for use on Dec. 15, and marijuana shops can open in 2018.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/11/08/pot/nn0rImK95SxMkC9Y0GaKsI/story.html
Possessing 100 - less than 2000 pounds if marijuana with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by a fine of $2,500-$25,000 and imprisonment for 2-15 years. There is a mandatory minimum term of 2 years imprisonment.
http://norml.org/laws/item/massachusetts-penalties-2
On January 20, we received a clear indication of what to expect from the Massachusetts Legislature in the next few months. Politicians introduced a number of bills that would adversely impact the implementation of Question 4 and restrict the new law’s home cultivation and personal possession limits.
https://www.mpp.org/states/massachusetts/
For first offenders, selling less than 50 pounds of marijuana is punishable by a fine of $500-$5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years. Subsequent offenses are punishable by a fine of $1,000-$10,000 and/or imprisonment for 1 - 2.5 years.
http://norml.org/laws/item/massachusetts-penalties-2
Marijuana laws in Massachusetts. Although possession of under an ounce of marijuana is punishable by a civil fine of $100 in Massachusetts, pursuant to an initiative campaign led by MPP in 2008, the prohibition of marijuana has plenty of opportunity costs.
https://www.mpp.org/states/massachusetts/
The law, passed as a ballot measure known as Question 4, would allow people 21 years and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana outside their residence and possess up to 10 ounces inside the residence. That goes into effect on Dec. 15, 2016. Here's what happens next, with a major caveat.
http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/massachusetts_just_passed_mari.html
what are the marijuana laws in massachusetts
In Massachusetts, marijuana is classified as a class D substance, and until recently was completely illegal. In Massachusetts, marijuana is classified as a class D substance and until recently was completely illegal.