Marijuana And Drugs
G.L. c. 94G, § 7 — 2 ounces at 21 or older, and 10 ounces at home
Legal at 21, within limits. In Massachusetts, a person 21 years of age or older may possess, use, buy or make 2 ounces or less of marijuana, keep up to 10 ounces at their primary residence, grow up to 6 plants there for personal use with no more than 12 on the premises, and give up to 2 ounces to another adult without payment or advertising.
| Civil violation | Up to |
|---|---|
| Civil violationUsing marijuana in a public place, or smoking it where tobacco smoking is banned | Up to$100 |
| Civil violationMore than 2 ounce at home not secured by a lock | Up to$100 and forfeiture |
| Civil violationPlants visible from a public place, or grown outside a locked area | Up to$300 and forfeiture |
| Civil violationAn open container of marijuana in a vehicle's passenger area | Up to$500 |
Possessing other controlled substances without a prescription is punished by up to one year and a fine of up to one thousand dollars; heroin, up to two years and two thousand dollars for a first offense. A person convicted for the first time of possessing marijuana or a Class E substance, with no earlier drug conviction, is placed on probation unless they decline or the court explains in writing why not.
Absent clear, convincing and articulable evidence of an unreasonable danger to a child, lawful marijuana use cannot be the sole or primary basis for removing a child or denying custody or visitation.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.L. c. 94G, § 7 — Personal use of marijuana
- G.L. c. 94G, § 13 — Marijuana penalties
- G.L. c. 94C, § 34 — Unlawful possession of controlled substances
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.