Growing marijuana in Massachusetts has never been more easy, especially now that it has been legalized. That said, it’s still important to know the rules to be sure you’re staying within the limits of the law.
Please note: ILGM is NOT a legal adviser. Information contained in this website is intended as general introductory information only. The information contained on this website is not legal advice. It should not be construed as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Here are a few things that are not allowed:
- Growing some place other than your home
- Selling your harvest
- Storing your harvest any place other than home
Download my free marijuana grow guide and start growing high quality strains
There is also a section on parenting while growing. Although the state clearly says you can parent and grow, it also says it is for those aged 21 and up. If you have children in your home, it may be a good idea to invest in a lock or have a designated grower outside of your home.
If you have more questions or comments about growing in Massachusetts, leave them below in the comment section. I will update this article as needed to add the most frequently asked questions as well as any other interesting information.
In 2015, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health began accepting applications on a rolling basis from non-profit organizations that wish to apply for a state license to operate a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) in Massachusetts. RMDs are allowed one location, and may have a second location for cultivation or preparing marijuana-infused products.
These applications are not a merit-based competition, but are verified for compliance and suitability, and will be reviewed in the order received. However, applications in open counties will be processed first. There is no stated limit to the number of RMDs that may be approved.
Medical marijuana
The medical program will cover the following conditions:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician
It also will let certain patients designate caregivers, if they can prove they are unable to purchase from a dispensary.
Massachusetts Marijuana laws
Massachusetts has decriminalized weed and has passed laws for medical marijuana, but it still has a marijuana tax stamp.
The tax stamp is a program that requires those possessing marijuana to pay tax on their weed.
The tax is $3.50/gram, but it is only required if the weed only has at least 40 grams. When the tax is paid, the user receives a stamp. If caught with marijuana, the stamps must be produced, or there will be additional fines or jail time.
For those charges that do give jail time, Massachusetts has a conditional release program. Conditional release means that people caught for the first time will most likely not receive jail time.
Buy Seeds for Massachusetts
- We selected the best seeds to grow in the Massachusetts climate! If you are planning to grow outdoors then, check out our custom collection of Massachusetts weather-approved seeds.
Mandatory sentences are the exception to conditional releases. Massachusetts has mandatory sentences for large amounts of marijuana (100 lbs or more).
You won’t get arrested for having less than an ounce of marijuana, so be sure to keep your possession amounts small.
My Marijuana Grow Bible has the best information on how to grow without getting caught. It is a free download, and when combined with high-quality seeds, it can result in the best personal weed stash you’d ever grown. So, whether you are a medical patient or a lover of high- quality weed, grow with confidence by downloading my Marijuana Grow Bible first.
Growing in Massachusetts
As of November 2016, it is now legal for everyone to grow marijuana in Massachusetts! If you want to get started, make sure you’re clear on the rules.
In this overview, I’ll explain what you need to know to grow marijuana at home in Massachusetts legally. Let’s start with a short list, followed by more details.
- The minimum age to grow is 21
- You can have no more than 12 marijuana plants
- You can have no more than 6 flowering marijuana plants
- You can keep the entire harvest of your 6 plants, and give away up to an ounce
- You must grow within your primary residence
- You can grow for someone else, but they must be at least 21
Download the Free Harvesting Guide to learn more about when and how to harvest your Marijuana plants.
| Massachusetts Growing Laws In-Depth: If you’re confused by any of those rules, here’s a little more detail: |
| You must be 21 to grow your own marijuana. At 21 you’re officially an adult. At that age, you can drink, go to a casino and now, grow marijuana. If you’re still underage, wait a couple years to stay legal. |
| You are limited to 12 plants per household. One person is limited to 6 plants. Time your harvest so that you never have more than 12 plants in your household at one time. |
They need 18 hours of light and 6 hours of complete darkness per day to remain immature. Once the days get shorter, your plants will begin producing flowers.
When growing indoors, you can control that light cycle. By shortening it from 18 hours of light to 12 hours of light, you can trigger the plants to start flowering.
| You are limited to 6 flowering plants. Like I talked about in the previous section, the flowering stage is triggered by light. It lasts about two months. Make sure you harvest your plants on the right cycle so that you never have more than six flowering at a time. |
| Keep your entire harvest, and give away up to an ounce. You’re expected to keep your entire harvest, not to sell it. If you would like, you’re welcome to give some away to any adult, but you can’t give away more than an ounce. |
| Grow within your primary residence. Make sure you only grow within your own house. Do not plan to grow marijuana in your office or at your mom’s place. If you own a second home, whether it’s an apartment or a cabin in the woods, you cannot use that space to grow. You can grow in your garden or in a greenhouse but ensure it is properly secured and your plants are not visible without binoculars or an aircraft. |
| You can grow for someone else, but they must be at least 21. If you have a friend who’d like to grow marijuana but doesn’t have the space or time to do so in their own residence, you can help them out and grow at your home. However, make sure your friend is 21 or older and that you have no more than 12 plants at a time. |
As you can see, most adults in Massachusetts should be able to grow their own marijuana. And for those who cannot, there is probably someone that can help you out.
Faq about growing marijuana in Massachusetts
Yes, it is now legal for everyone to grow marijuana in Massachusetts! but if you want to start growing, you must first read the rules or else you might end up in trouble.
Here are some rules that you need to take care of: Minimum age is 21, You can’t have more than 12 marijuana plants, You can’t have more than 6 flowering plants, You can only grow with in your primary residence, and if you want to grow for someone else than he/she must me 21 yr old at least.
Here are top 5 strains to grow if you live in Massachusetts: Blue dream feminized, Super silver haze feminized, Cheese feminized, Cheese auto and Sour diesel feminized
Latest Updates
December 2016 – Massachusetts is legalized! Let’s Get Growing
October 2016 – Massachusetts Marijuana Initiative 2016 launches their first TV ad.
How far do I have to be from a school to grow outside at my residence in Massachusetts?
If you are renting an apartment can you grow without your landlord approval?
I would like to know if you need a type of land residential commercial agricultural to grow commercially
what’s the purpose of growing marijuana? Can you make money giving your growing plants to legal dispensaries? Is it strictly for personal use?
Hi
We live in a 2 family home in MA…Both units have 2 adults per unit…Are we both allowed to grow 12 plants each since we are separate families in separate units but on same property???
Donovan and sons of fall river( jamal Donovan) has way over .12 flowering plants, he sells it, and he has a 13 year old unstable son, he don’t lock his doors.
can anybody clarify if 2 people can have 12 budding plants or is it 6 regardless? what about having 6 flowering, 6 in veg, and say 6 -8 tiny clones just starting out? I usually start with twice as many clones as needed and scrap the weaker of the bunch. I get 12 is the limit, but what is considered a plant? is a unplanted clone a plant? I ask because im trying to run a 2 month cycle, 6 plants every 2 months.
My backyard is literally bordering a school parking lot. Can i grow outside in a greenhouse?
I live in an in a house with an in law apartment. My landlord lives in the in law, and grew at least 12++ plants in the small garden by the road. It stunk up our house toward the end. We also have an 8yr old, so this is a problem for us.
To be clear; she is only aloud to grow inside, these plants next to the road are not legal? Could I get into any trouble for this?
We hate it. We love living here but now that they’ve made it legal, Our house reeks of marijuana all the time, and other parents (her friends parents) don’t take too well to us having these plants in our yard.
I know we will have to move most likely, we just really like it here otherwise. Tried speaking with her and it doesn’t sound like she cares. Is there anything we can do?
Clinton ma,
I am not sure what to tell you. I do not believe in someone telling someone who owns a residence how to run their land.
On the other hand; If it is illegal to grow outrside and you do not own the house or land; It should not aafect you. I cannot promise what local authorities would do. If your landlord insist on growing and you do not want your child around Cannabis, then I suggest you look into a place better suited for your family. Also; Just to be clear; The smell has no affect on anyone or any children. A fence around an outdoor grow is usually the way to go. Again, this should be left up to the land ownre, IMO. 🙂
Good Luck.
I’ve been growing a CBD-only strain for a year now, and giving away the excess. No honestly, just giving stuff away that cost time/energy/space/etc. to produce.
I know I can grow for someone else if they’re 21+ and as long as I follow the rules for home recreational growing. Is there a legal way to grow for someone else and get some income from it? I currently have 4 plants at any given time so there’s leeway for adding plants.
Anyone have any suggestions? I’m asking this with the understanding that any answers do not constitute legal advice.
I’m thinking renting storage space in my house that *happens* to be in a grow space. The renter comes and collects a lopped off plant in a bag.
Is this whole thing just a bad idea? Thanks
Melma,
I am not sure exactly what you meant to do in you description but, here is my advice. Learn the laws in your area. Stick to them and do not try to “get over”. I am not saying you want to do anything wrong but, stay within the rules and stay safe.
Happy growing 🙂
I have 5 plants growing and are almost to maturity. I am in the process of changing residences still within Massachusetts . My question is can I transport my plants from one house to the new one in an open bed pickup truck legally ?
Mark Suchocki.
I suggest you ask your local authorities. I would not be able to tell you what each town, city, or county might do. Best to ask someone in Mass. along the route you plan to take.
Personally; I would not open myself up to being robber by openly transporting plants. Better but some wardrobe boxes or fabricate boxes together to keep them covered,
Good Luck 🙂
Does anyone here know anything about a company that alleges to sell seeds called Farmers Lab Seeds? I bought from them believing them to be in MA. I got not seeds, but a game CD mailed from Canada. The language in their emails suggests that they may not even be English speaking. The scam is a common one with Chinese companies, buy one thing, get another. I note that their Facebook page does not permit posting either.
Dave,
Don’t know what to tell you except, report them to FB as a fraud.
if growing in a closet area does the area have to be locked
does growing have to be in a locked growing spot
Is it ok to grow if I am on Section 8?
Hoel,
I cannot give legal advice but, I would recommend asking your state government for the facts and regulations. Perhaps consider discussing this with your advocate or legal counsel.
Good Luck
IMPORTANT: You don’t have to. The wording here presented here on this site is wrong and is not what the law actually says. The law says you can’t grow marijuana plants if the plants are visible “without” the use of binoculars, aircraft or other visual aids. The wording presented here is “with” the use of aids and that is the opposite of what it says and therefore confusing everyone. It’s perfectly okay if you can see it with the use of binoculars or from an aircraft. It’s just not okay if it can be viewed from a public way and the person doing the viewing is using only the naked eye.
i grow on the roof of my deck ,6 plants that i veg indoors for 10 weeks ,then put on roof of deck with my tomato plants ,”most people cant tell the difference at 300 ft away ” so that should be considered a “rooftop garden , law states secured garden or greenhouse ” roof is 16 ft off the ground, with no egress ,and 2 game cameras , “made a 16 ft watering wand with a shower head for watering so not to break out ladder twice a week ” this should be legal , more secure than a plastic greenhouse , seems like a gray area , any thoughts ?
Indica fan,
Thought 1. I would definitely run a 1/2″ poly hose to the roof in order to set up a simple drip or spray system for watering.
2. You have to make your choices as you become more experienced.
Thanks for sharing
How do you grow outdoors but not allow the plants to be seen from the air?
If I can grow 6 plants for myself and grow 6 for my wife that gives me 12 now they say I can grow for others as long as there 21 what do I have to do to prove there not mine and can I have more than 12 if I’m growing for others
You can have 12 plant max regardless of number of people you grow for. If you get caught the cops won’t care what you say.
The one exceptions is if you become a licensed caregiver but in MA that limits you to growing for a singe “patient”. You also have to adhere to the patients prescription.
Is it leagal to grow pot outside in Massachusetts
Hello, I started growing in my house not too long ago and its growing great! lol. My problem is, although my plants are in a locked closet upstairs my house still smells very strongly of marijuana and every time my ex drops off my kids he freaks out telling me hes going to call the cops and child services. Am I doing anything illegal by growing while having children living in the house? He has absolutely no parental rights, just visiting time, but is there still an actual threat here? Obviously I will rid of the plants if there is.
Get a carbon scrubber – it’s an exhaust fan with a carbon inlet filter. Duct it so the filter is inside the closet and the blower exhausts the air outside the closet. It will also help keep temps down and pull in more CO2 which benefits plant growth.
Boston Homegrow – WOW!! This is your “…first time ever doing this,…”? Holy smoke (pun intended)! That’s an impressive effort, to be sure! I wish I had that much time…and ambition! LOL Great job!
I guess you could call me an aging ‘hippie,’ although I’ve always hated that term. I’ve been enjoying good weed for fifty (yes, 50!) years, and just read this thread. Wow, boys and girls!! Relax! As it has always been, the key here is discretion. The only times I have known people to get busted for weed-related offenses, it has been because A. They were aggressively and/or indiscriminately dealing it, or B. They were being just plain dumb! (e.g. Driving ‘impaired,’ acting like an idiot while carrying a full ‘baggie,’ etc.). The days of ‘shaking down the longhaired creeps’ are pretty much behind us. Oh, I’m sure that people will now respond with “Oh, yeah…well I….” horror stories of all kinds, but those can most often be traced back to A. or B., with rare exceptions dating back to the ’60s and ’70s. The fact is that, if you are enjoying your weed responsibly, you shouldn’t have any problems, here in MA. With expected yields, why would you need more than 12 plants? Obscuring view from above is no more complicated than netting a blueberry bush and, if you’re not acting in a way that would attract attention, most police officers and departments have got better things to do than go searching for pot-growing (or consumption) infractions! Be reasonable, discreet, and enjoy relative freedom from ‘pot persecution!!’ The laws may be annoying, but they’re not that difficult to abide by, and they’re certainly better than those that we’ve had to live under for the preceding 49 years or more!!
I will say that I am a slightly younger, aging hippy, who has been smoking for 30 years, and I live in a very progressive town in Mass, that is known for it growers. We had 5 plants that were being grown out of sight on our 20 + acre property, ripped from the ground by MA SWAT, after a low flying helicopter spotted them. Now that was 4 years ago. That same helicopter (i have pictures) scared the shit out of my wife and daughter as it flew low over our house and garden, last night. They have done these fly-by ever year, since I was “caught”. So I am not sure that I agree that if you are chill they will be chill. It is nothing but harassment at this point, and very expensive harassment at that.
12 plants only, what about seedlings or cuttings or mother plants?
If you and your room mate grow a weed plant together throughout the summer and when it comes time to harvest your roommate take the bud and locks it in their room, can they charge you with larceny if you go into their room and take your share
Stella,
You should consult a lawyer. I am sorry; We cannot give you legal advice.
your plants are allowed to be in your garden but have to be secured, not seen from the street and not in the woods (where there is no sun by the way), are not allowed to be seen by air or binoculars then they are not allowed to be out side. Green houses are translucent as well and binoculars can see right through them. Are they going to make laws saying you can’t raise your electric bill (grow lights), raise the water usage, the usage of carbon filters is illegal in a residential neighborhood, marijuana smell is illegal, marijuana trim cannot be composted, as soon as it’s cut it has to be wrapped in plastic and stored (needs to dry but can’t ), must be inspected by police, not allowed to be seen by police(5 year jail time mandatory ). All assets seized and confiscated upon arrest( including house and bank accounts/ “drug den and drug money”). I guess we’ll see if the old saying
” marijuana will rein your life” Is true.
So if you can only grow at your residence, how can you have a friend grow it for you? That’s a contradiction.
If I own 12 plants, and I would like to help a family member grow by doing it in my home, can I own additional plants in their name?
Hi Mark, I believe the restrictions count per address, not per number of people you are growing for. – I❤️GM
I tried to go to that site but u can only look at pics there is no way to interact with you
Do u need any type of card to grow in Massachusetts or as long as your 21 and grow up to 6 plants in your house your with in the law?
Hi DankFrank, no card required as far as we know!
I bought a combo pack of seeds from ILGM. They have been growing for about 2 weeks, and I think they look great. The Super Silver Haze has some Purpling of the stems, but Gold Leaf, and the Purple Haze do not. Is this normal for the SSH or do I have a Cal Mag deficiency. If so how do I clear it up?
if I have a cage sides and top grow 6 flowering plants can they bust me ? I live in a privet area woods behind me.My house is set way back in off the road.Also if i grow for someone else can I still have my six plants too? Also where can i get a growers license, do they have such a thing?
Hi Jane, you can find all the information available in the full legislative text
For outdoor growing in your garden…just what is considered a reasonable security device?
Hi Mary, I’m not sure what you mean but you just have to ensure your garden is secured from access and view to the outside world and children
Hi Jeb, it’s 1×12 per house so not per adult 🙂
I’m growing six autoflower plants outdoors. I have them caged in with 1/2 inch galvi wire mesh to keep the gophers who are around in the neighborhood from eating them. With these secured cages nobody can actually see what I’m growing because of the visional obstruction. A nosey neighbor wouldn’t be able to figure what I’m growing even by using binoculars. But the tops of the mesh cages are open to aerial view and aircraft are always flying overhead to and from Wiggins airport in Norwood. There are some fields and parks nearby which the aircraft use for guidance reference. Now if somebody inside one of those aircraft wanted to get nosey by using binoculars to spy on my garden….I could get in trouble? Blah! I’ll get them for invading my privacy those peeping Toms!
Amount of plants allowed in MA.
Is it the household that is allowed 12 plants at different stages or the amount of adults in the home. My case would be 12. X 4.
Hey Chuck,
You need a minimum of 2’x2′ for 1 plant; So, I would not attempt to grow more than 2 in a 2’x4′ tent. Happy growing 🙂
I ended up buying a 2’x4′ Gorilla grow tent, a 600 watt HPS light, and a 6″ fan with carbon filter. I was hoping to grow 4 plants. How many do you think I can grow at a time?
Depends on how long do you let them grow before flowering. The longer they grow the bigger the plant. Plan on a plant getting 30 to 50% bigger during flowering, so stop growing vegetively when your plants have filled 2/3 of your space and switch your lights to flowering cycle .
Now that it is legal in Mass I’m thinking about growing 6 plants outdoor in a locked and fenced in garden. I have two questions. Is it legal if the garden can be seen by aircraft? What seeds do you recommend for growing outdoors in Mass?
Hi Chuck, your outdoor garden may not be seen from the air. These are the outdoor strains we recommend for cooler climates. Happy growing!
RE; “You can grow in your garden or in a greenhouse but ensure it is properly secured and your plants are not visible with the aid of binoculars or from the air.” Shouldn’t this read as: “You can grow in your garden or in a greenhouse but ensure it is properly secured and your plants are not visible “without” the aid of binoculars or from the air.”?
Are you sure it must be grown inside? I have heard conflicting things. Some say inside. Other “Marijuana could be grown outside for personal or commercial use, but it must not be visible to the public without the use of “binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids.” No word on a required fence height.”
Thanks for noticing AW! I changed the info on outdoor growing and added a link to the complete initiative text.
What are the penalties if caught growing more than 12 plants in one house? Would if be a fine or subject to arrest ?
Hi John, this is from: regulatemassachusetts (e) Possession or cultivation of excess marijuana. Notwithstanding chapter 94C of the General Laws and until the import or export of marijuana to or from the commonwealth is not prohibited by federal law, a person who is at least 21 years of age and who cultivates more than 6 but not more than 12 marijuana plants or who possesses an amount of marijuana outside of his or her place of residence having a weight of more than 1 ounce but not more than 2 ounces shall be subject only to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana not allowed by section 8 of this chapter, but shall not be subject to any other form of criminal or civil punishment or disqualification solely for this conduct. – See more at: https://www.regulatemassachusetts.org/full-initiative-text/#sthash.U8v7cWC0.dpuf
So this is a question for the DA that will be charging you. 13-20 plants may be like ROY ILGM states below, but anything over that they may charge you with a federal crime. The wording is in hopes of discouraging the Mexican Cartel from buying a home and turning it into a large operation. Don’t push the law, unless you want a wardrobe change
Hah you think a plant count is going to Stop the cartels Or chinese mafia From Setting io Shop?
i was caught last january with 30 plants. 15 in flower and the rest in variousStages of veg. All they did was take my plants. No arrest, no jail.
It have a green house can I grow in that on my own property I also abut school property just wondering if it’s ok to grow here
Legally, plants must not be visible with the unaided eye from outside your property, and the room in which they’re growing must be locked. I’ve no idea if outbuildings are allowed, I’d have to reread the measure to be sure and I’m tired now.
Yes to the greenhouse if it locks and you cannot see them from outside of it. And it is YOUR Primary residence
I’ve done some reading online and i’m curious why no talk of acquiring or purchasing cannabis seeds locally or online is not discussed more. The most fundamental part of the grow is starting with a seed. If you cant acquire a decent seed whats the point in all this talk? Where do we get seeds? Who sells them? Is it safe to order online? I’ve heard of federal laws that supersede(ha! super-seed?…sorry, moving on) state laws, so is it still safe. More talk needs to be made about cannabis seeds. Growers will want high quality seeds too i’m not talking about finding a crap seed in a batch of herb you purchased from your cousin bilbo baggins….
Hey Sin, you can buy our quality seeds here and read up about shipping here 🙂
As I construe the law, cannabis seeds are deemed ‘marijuana’, and marijuana cannot legally be sold in this state until at least January 2018 when retailers might first be licensed; until the, seeds can be given-away as per any other type of marijuana (1oz limit). Importation or interstate transport of seeds will still be a federal crime, one that is rarely prosecuted but might soon be a popular way of getting at people with politics the next administration hates, pretext for deportation if you’re an otherwise-‘clean’ undocumented alien, and so on, all without obviously infringing on First Amendment rights.
You can certainly break federal laws to ship seeds from other countries via US Mail. What do you have to lose? Freedom?
can you be an out of state college student and grow marijuana. and if you have 3 people over 21 in your house can you have 18 plants flowering?
No silly! How can you be growing a garden when you are not present? Also who’s name is on the deed? Probably your parents home. Save up, buy a home and grow six plants. Or have a friend who is a homeOwner grow em.
Will you be allowed to grow in a apartment like in a locked grow tent
Yup, as long as it is your primary residence
You need to determine YOUR PRIMARY RESIDENCE. If you rent it is not YOUR property.
Anyone in Boston interested in “giving” me some seeds, parents will let me set up a little grow, and are encouraging me too, but wont let me order the seeds online b/c laws or something :/. Im *sure* i *cant* offer you monetary compensation. Twitter: @ j a c k 9 9 3 8 (remove spaces)
Hi Jay, your questions are best discussed on our support forum 😀
well lots of opportunity for advice for you and the ‘rents’ but will refrain. seeds run from 8-12 bucks a seeds if you can believe that. Any cultivator will tell you the ultimate goal is not to just push buds, but to establish a great list of strains and become a seed bank. One plant can fetch you 3K for bud or 10K for seeds. Knowledge is power.
As I construe Question 4, seeds are considered ‘marijuana’, and as such would not be legally vendable within the Commonwealth until licenced shops open in January 2018,though they could be given away as part of the 1oz permitted for transfer gratis. Am I reading the Measure incorrectly? Thanks, —M.L..
Hi
I have some people asking me if they can rent part of my warehouse to grow. Is this okay?
No to the warehouse. It MUST be the GROWERS Primary residence.
James Tran: Contact your Insurance Company and ask them this question and the answer you get may direct your actions with ease. Who are we to tell you is it is okay?
If theres two adults in one home, can they grow 12 flowering plants, 6 for each adult? Or is it 6 max per household?
that is a great question! When I read the ballot question it mentions nothing about the STAGE of the plants grown (like this article states). I view the current state of the law as 6 plants per person with no more than 12 per household. 2 people = 12 plants max, 4 people = 12 plants max. I do not see where if it matters if they are flowering, seedlings or vegetative.
My parents live out of state and I’m staying in a half a duplex they own in MA. I have been growing and the neighbors on the other side are complaining about the odor outside and inside their home. Is their anything they can do that may cause an issue or do they just have to deal with it while it lasts.
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