Massachusetts’ Cannabis Legalization Initiative Allows Possession of up to 10 Ounces

Massachusetts’ Cannabis Legalization Initiative Allows Possession of up to 10 Ounces

There are five states voting to legalize recreational cannabis this November; Nevada, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts and California. Out of all of these states, Massachusetts’ proposal is the most progressive in terms of its possession limits.

The initiatives up for vote in each of the five states (which we detail here) are all quite similar; they all allow the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, the personal cultivation of a small number of plants, and they all legalize state-licensed retail outlets. However, Massachusetts takes things a step further by allowing those 21 and older to possess up to 10 ounces in a private residence. Although it isn’t allowed to take that amount in public, the fact that the limit is 10 times higher than the amount allowed in most other legalization states is nothing to scoff at, and its passage would be a clear indication that voters are willing to accept the legalization of more than just one ounce.

Oregon Measure 91, which was approved by voters in 2014, is similar; it allows up to an ounce in public, and a higher amount in private. The number is lower, however, at eight ounces.

It’s important for states that legalize cannabis – including home cultivation – to allow more than just one ounce, given that over an ounce can be harvest from just one moderately sized plant.

The full text of Massachusetts’ Question 4, The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, can be found by clicking here.