As hard as it is to pronounce Massachusetts, it’s easier to get your hands on cannabis, provided that you are looking at the right places. Before you get confused, yes, cannabis is legal in the state, so you won’t have to find yourself in unnecessary trouble if you end up possessing or consuming weed.
But, like any other cannabis-friendly state in the United States, certain stipulations come with being in Massachusetts and smoking up a storm. You have to be mindful of the barriers and boundaries if you don’t want to find yourself stuck on the other side of the prison.
The great thing about Massachusetts is the easy availability of cannabis for both medical and recreational use. This means that not only can you crank up the fun for your parties, but you can also use the same to relieve some of the pain and discomfort in your body as well.
The abundant availability of seed banks in Massachusetts is another reason why the state has gained the kind of popularity that it has. You get to explore local and online dispensaries and grow varying strains right inside your home or outdoors too.
We understand that if you are new in Massachusetts or plan to shift there shortly, being confused about what to do and how to get your hands on legal marijuana can be a challenge. For that, we have sorted out all the information that you possibly need to know about buying cannabis seeds in the state of Massachusetts.
What are the Legalities with Cannabis Seeds in Massachusetts?
As we just discussed, cannabis for medical and recreational use is legal in Massachusetts. This means you can comfortably (within stipulation) own and smoke marijuana without any legal repercussions.
However, there are regulatory laws in place that ensure that things are monitored the way they should be. If you are new to Massachusetts and want to get a quick overview, here are some of the highlighted factors that are worth considering:
- Medical marijuana is legal in the state
- The use of recreational marijuana is legal
- The use of CBD in the state is legal
- Buying and growing cannabis seeds are legal in the state
If you are cannabis pro and wanted to get a confirmed idea about the growing, selling, and consumption before you moved to the state, we’d recommend that you can do so without any hassle. Massachusetts shouldn’t impose any complexities your way.
What are the Laws regarding Cannabis in Massachusetts?
While the above section discusses the basic legalities and gives an overview, we must discuss the in-depth laws that are associated with cannabis and its use in Massachusetts.
Here’s what you need to know:
Medical Marijuana
1. Patients over the age of 18 – The qualifying patients who are above the age of 18 and need cannabis as a therapeutic need for their chronic ailments need to have a doctor’s prescription and should be certified by the state to have up to 60-days of marijuana at home.
2. Patients under the age of 18 – If you are a patient that qualifies for the use of cannabis but is under the age of 18, they need to be approved by two Massachusetts-licensed physicians. Also, the patient should have a debilitating life condition for them to be approved for cannabis possession and use in their treatment
3. Growing at Home – If you have a medical need for cannabis, Massachusetts law allows certified users to grow cannabis at home. But there are certain stipulations to the same. Individuals with medical cannabis needs can grow up to 12 flowering and 12 vegetative cannabis plants in their homes for personal use. Also, if you have access to Hardship Cultivation, it allows the certified users to grow cannabis that can yield cannabis for 60-days use.
4. Consumption – Despite having a medical certificate or needing it in an emergency, the consumption of medical marijuana in public isn’t legal in Massachusetts. If found otherwise, it will be considered an offense and you might end up finding yourself in problems with the state’s law.
5. Conditions approved – The top medical conditions that warrant the medical cannabis certification are cancer, ALS, Crohn’s disease, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Your doctor will be able to guide you better on that ground.
6. Out of the state – If you are an out-of-the-state resident in Massachusetts, you can’t buy medical marijuana from the state. Only the residents of Massachusetts and their caregivers can buy cannabis with their certification.
7. Crossing state lines – Despite being for medical marijuana needs, the same can’t be taken to another state. It is a legal offense and will put you in jail or charge you a hefty fine. Similarly, one can’t mail medical marijuana since that is illegal as well.
What are the Laws Associated with Adult-Use Marijuana?
Now that you have a detailed understanding of the medical marijuana laws in Massachusetts, what about the general public?
Can you buy and grow seeds from Massachusetts seed banks? How much can you have in possession?
Let us shed some more light on that with the following pointers:
- Individuals have to be 21 and older to buy and grow cannabis in Massachusetts
- Individuals can carry up to one ounce of cannabis and have up to 10 ounces of cannabis at home
- One can grow up to 6 cannabis plants for personal use or up to 12 plants for two or more people in the household
- Consuming cannabis (in any form) in the public isn’t legal in Massachusetts
- If you are traveling with cannabis, it should be in a closed and sealed container
- It isn’t legal to cross states with marijuana
- It isn’t legal to mail marijuana, even if it is in Massachusetts
- If you have more than one ounce of marijuana at home, it should be locked and kept in a secure spot in the house
- If you are high from smoking marijuana, you should not drive under the influence
- If the tenants consume or possess cannabis illegally, the tenants can’t be punished for that
These are some of the important cannabis laws in Massachusetts that are worth looking into, especially if you want more details about its recreational use of it.
When is the Right Time to Sprout Cannabis Seeds in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is known for its wide range of universities but the state is equally popular for its weather conditions. It has a humid continental climate, which means that growing your cannabis seeds can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what you are doing.
The weather conditions are quite extreme in the state. While the summers are long, humid, and warm, the winters are cold, snowy, and freezing. So, planning your process of sprouting cannabis seeds is very crucial.
You have to choose the peak summer months as your window for growing cannabis plants in Massachusetts. What’s your ideal time for growing the plants, which ensures that the flowering is optimal and there are no risks associated with germinating the seeds at all?
Another factor that influences your sprouting process for the cannabis seeds is the place in Massachusetts you live in. If you are confused about the ideal time to grow cannabis seeds in Massachusetts, we’d recommend exploring mid-May time because that works out the best.
Choosing May as the sprouting season allows you to avoid the risks of late-season frost, which is very common when you come to a state like Massachusetts. This is also perfect for residents in the areas of Worthington since those experience one of the most drastic changes in weather conditions.
Also, if you live in Taunton and want to grow cannabis, we’d recommend choosing the month of April as your safest bet. Just wait until the weather is pleasant to get your plan into action. We’d recommend avoiding any rash decisions when it comes to growing a plant as sensitive as cannabis.
The good news is that if you are considering growing cannabis indoors in Massachusetts, the weather or climate outside shouldn’t be a barrier for you at all. You can grow them at your convenience any time of the year, provided you are following all the standard growing parameters as needed.
How is the Cannabis Culture in the Bay State?
If you are planning to shift to Massachusetts shortly and you are wondering how the cannabis culture is in the state, you are in the right place.
People in Massachusetts love their weed, so it isn’t even surprising that the weed culture in the state is quite hip and booming. Finding Massachusetts seed banks in Massachusetts is very easy, especially if you are looking for local dispensaries.
The main reason behind the booming cannabis culture in the state is the lenient laws. This enables the users to make the most out of their recreational fun without needing to worry about adjacent things on the side.
However, since there is very easy availability of cannabis in the state, it comes with a lot of downsides too. One of the biggest issues is the rise in the black market availability of cannabis in the state. So, checking the quality of the cannabis seeds and the products you buy is very crucial.
Always focus on buying premium marijuana seeds if you don’t want to experience the wrath of the quality. Also, opt for seeds that are round and light green. That should take care of the issues quite well.
What to Consider When Growing Cannabis in Massachusetts?
It isn’t surprising that since Massachusetts has such loose laws surrounding marijuana, many people prefer growing them indoors for personal and recreational use. If you don’t have a friend who is willing to spare you an ounce of their weed stash, growing the same at your home is your next best choice.
But, how do you go about it? Simply buying marijuana seeds in Massachusetts isn’t enough. You have to take care of a lot of other accessory factors.
We have sorted them out for you in this guide for better reference:
1. Seeds
When it comes to growing cannabis in Massachusetts, the trickiest part of the process is to acquire the seeds. That’s where most people go wrong. Ideally, we’d recommend checking out local dispensaries or resorting to online seed banks to get your hands on the same.
But, irrespective of where you buy the cannabis seeds from, we’d recommend that you opt for premium seeds because that’s what makes all the difference in the end. Also, always opt for feminized or auto-flowering seeds if you want quick results and a high yield from the process.
2. Growing outdoors or indoors
Another factor that you have to be mindful of when it comes to growing cannabis in Massachusetts is choosing whether you want to grow them indoors or outdoors.
If you are a beginner with no prior experience in indoor growing with grow rooms and greenhouses, we’d recommend sticking to outdoor growing. However, you do have to shelter the area you are growing the cannabis. The last thing you want to do is give outsiders a peek into what’s happening indoors.
Growing cannabis in Massachusetts outdoors works because the sun is quite bright and warm throughout the summer months. This means that you can comfortably grow your cannabis seeds without any limitations and the natural external factors will take care of the rest.
However, if you want to grow cannabis with more security, indoor growing is your best bet. But, how do you go about the process? Firstly, you’d need a room or a grow tent set up with the required growing parameters for the plant. This is quintessential.
Hydroponics and aquaponics set-up work quite well. All you have to do is buy seeds from new Massachusetts based seed bank and you can set up the indoor growing area with all the basic needs that support optimal growth of the strains.
3. Buy according to where you live
Massachusetts is quite a large state, meaning that the weather up north is often similar to what it is down south. So, when you are buying a cannabis strain, focus on buying one that will easily acclimatize to the local weather of where you live.
If you live in Boston, which has a shorter growing season, we’d recommend looking for cannabis strains that have a quick flowering period. Generally, auto-flowering strains work best in such areas.
Also, the weather in Massachusetts changes quite drastically, which means that you’d have to be mindful of buying good-quality seed strains that won’t end up testing your patience in the process.
4. Harvest
The last factor that’s quite important when it comes to growing cannabis is the harvest process. The best way to decide if your cannabis plants are ready to harvest is when you see the trichomes turning milky white. That’s when you know you are ready to harvest the plant.
Also, we’d recommend waiting for the amber balls to show up on the plant before you start harvesting them. It can take somewhere between 3-4 months after planting the seeds for when the cannabis plants are ready to harvest. So, you need to be extremely patient with the process.
5. Pest and Diseases
Growing cannabis isn’t rainbows and butterflies all the time. In some cases, you have to be mindful of the downsides too. One of the biggest issues with growing cannabis plants in Massachusetts is the excess pests and diseases.
Since the weather is humid in the state, especially during the summer months, you can be assured that the high moisture levels in the air will lead to complications like pests and insects in the plant.
The best way to avoid that complication is by planting pest-resistant plants that won’t make a mess of things for you. Also, spraying pesticide on the plant helps in keeping these critters and pests out of the plant so it can grow optimally and without any hassle at all.
Where to Buy Cannabis Seeds in Massachusetts?
Now that you have a basic idea about the cannabis laws and growing tips for cannabis in Massachusetts, the next thing worth exploring is the buying process.
Where should you look for high-quality seeds? Should you look at the local dispensaries or should you rely on the online seed banks in the state?
The choice is fairly complicated, especially for first-time cannabis users in the state. Once you have officially moved to Massachusetts or you are a resident there for a long time, several local dispensaries can help you kickstart the growing process.
But we’d also recommend that you hold onto your horses. Local dispensaries, for the most part, are fairly expensive since the competition isn’t that high in the area. Since online seed banks are booming in Massachusetts, it isn’t surprising that their prices are quite on the more affordable end.
So, what should be your choice for the purchase? To be fair, we’d leave the final decision in your hands since everyone has subjective needs when it comes to buying and growing cannabis.
Local dispensaries in Massachusetts
Some of the best and most popular local dispensaries for cannabis seeds in Massachusetts are:
- Seed
- Campfire cannabis
- Sira naturals
- Potco
- Northeast Alternatives Weed Dispensary
- Tree House Craft Cannabis
- The Heirloom Collective Marijuana Dispensary
- Boston Bud Factory
Online seed banks
If you aren’t that fond of local dispensaries for the high price point, we’d recommend switching to online seed banks since they are quite accessible in Massachusetts. Some of the best ones include:
If you are buying cannabis seeds from online stores, we’d recommend you take your time and compare the price and the strains first. This is very crucial, especially if you want to make the most out of the investment you make.
The great thing about growing cannabis in Massachusetts is the accessibility of all the right items. You can find premium quality seeds and you can also have access to a variety of strains that are worth growing in the state.
More on that in the next section of the article.
Which Strains are the Best to Grow in Massachusetts?
Now that you have a better idea about where to buy marijuana seeds in Massachusetts, the next question that is probably probing your mind is the type of strains.
Which ones should you grow?
The humid subtropical climate in the bay state means that you have to be very careful with the kind of strains you grow, especially if you are growing them indoors.
That said, there are quite a few amazing strains that are worth the time and produce a high yield during the harvest season.
1. Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is one of those few cannabis strains that have a very subjective reputation to it. Some people enjoy the strong hit of the strain right up the nostrils with the high THC level which some people don’t.
If you are one of those people that like strains with high THC levels, we’d recommend giving this one a look because it will not disappoint you at all. The strain is extremely resilient, meaning that you can grow this at any point of time throughout the year (if grown indoors).
Another factor that makes it a great choice for growing is the fact that it’s beginner-friendly. Also, if you opt for the strain with auto-flowering seeds, you are in luck of ensuring a quicker harvest with a higher yield in no time at all.
The only thing you have to ensure with growing this strain is to plant and harvest them during the warm summer months without fail. The strain has notes of pine and citrus, which is quite favorable among beginner cannabis smokers too.
2. OG Kush
The next strain that’s very easy to grow in Massachusetts is OG Kush. The strain initially originated in Florida in the 90s and is known for its high THC levels. It is an Indica-dominant strain, which makes it pretty resilient to grow in the state of Massachusetts without any compromise.
Ideal for both beginners and professionals, OG Kush can be grown both indoors and outdoors, meaning that you can find what floats your boat and then go from there. It has a quick flowering period and is quite easy to maintain as well, which is a bonus.
If you are wondering about the strain’s flavor profile and taste, it has a mix of skunk, diesel, and spice, so the flavor is not everyone’s first choice. The notes of lemon and pine make up for the otherwise strong flavor.
3. Blue Dream
Next up on the list of the best cannabis strains worth growing in Massachusetts is Blue Dream. It is a fruity, hybrid strain that has balanced effects, especially when you are growing it for recreational purposes later.
The strain is quite popular on the West Coast, especially in areas like New England, so that’s something you have to be mindful of.
Although quite resilient, Blue Dream comes with very specific requirements when it comes to warmth, light, and humidity. It needs longer stretches of warmth and sunlight for quicker growth and auto-flowering, so that’s something you have to keep in mind when it comes to growing the strain.
As for the flavor and notes, Blue Dream has a strong blueberry flavor with a fruity aroma to it. Also, it carries an earthy flavor to it, which mimics the flavor of grass and herbs. The instant cerebral high with this strain is quite promising, to say the least.
4. Sour Diesel
Although not everyone’s first choice, Sour Diesel is again one of those amazing cannabis strains that’s worth growing in Massachusetts. It is a Sativa-dominant strain that’s ideal for outdoor growing and produces a high yield.
The strain can thrive well in long eastern summers, which is native to Massachusetts. The auto-flowering seeds of this strain ensure quicker germination and growth. However, you need to understand that the strain comes with very strict growing parameters.
So, it isn’t one of those strains that you can blindly pick up as a beginner. Not just outdoors, with the right parameters, the strain can be grown effortlessly indoors too, so that’s something you can have blind faith on.
The two important factors that you have to follow through is ensuring that the plant is getting an adequate amount of light throughout the day. Also, the plant can grow up to 300 cm, so you’d need to provide it with ample space for seamless growth.
5. Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze is another popular and high-quality Sativa dominant cannabis strain that we’d highly recommend that you pay attention to if you live in Massachusetts. It can grow effortlessly in hot and humid weather conditions, which is always a benefit, especially if you live in states like MA.
Also, the growing options with this strain are quite diverse. You can grow it indoors, outdoors, or even inside a greenhouse if that’s something you are looking into. The only downside to this strain is its susceptibility to pests and diseases, especially when you are growing it outdoors.
As for the taste and flavor profile, the strain has a strong lemony flavor with notes of pine and earth. So, overall, the strain is quite amazing for beginners who don’t have a lot of experience with cannabis and want to start smoking.
What are the Penalties Associated with Cannabis in Massachusetts?
We have discussed the laws and legalities surrounding cannabis in Massachusetts at the beginning of the article. But, what about the penalties?
Although cannabis is legal in Massachusetts, there are certain legalities and stipulations you need to be careful about. So, how much is too much when you live in Bay State?
For Possession of Cannabis:
- Possessing over one ounce of cannabis without an MMJ license is a misdemeanor
For Cannabis trafficking:
- Selling less than 50 pounds of weed is considered a felony or misdemeanor
- Selling over 50 pounds of weed is considered a felony
- Selling to a minor or anywhere near a school is a felony
For Cannabis Seed cultivation
- Growing six or more plants in a visible place for the outsides is a crime infraction
- Growing over six cannabis plants per adult is a misdemeanor
- Growing commercial amount of cannabis plants without a license is a felony
For Transportation out of state
It is illegal to transport any amount of cannabis out of state from Massachusetts. If found otherwise, it can lead to an offense and legal issues.
What about the Cannabis Black Market in Massachusetts?
Like any other state in the United States, the cannabis black market in Massachusetts is quite profound too. There is a rampant black-market issue.
As of now, Massachusetts charges 7% on recreational marijuana products. Since the taxation is fairly high, it isn’t surprising that most residents prefer taking the easy route and exploring the black markets for their fix of weed.
However, we don’t recommend falling prey to those affordable and cheaper prices because the quality of the weed and the cannabis seeds in these illicit markers aren’t regulated, which means that you never know what you are smoking.
Most of the cannabis available in the black market is untested, meaning that you are putting your health at risk by smoking these unregulated strains. The genetics of most of these strains aren’t premium and the same reflects on the quality of the cannabis you are smoking. So, that’s something you have to keep in mind.
Conclusion
The cannabis market and culture in Massachusetts are pretty enticing, especially if you are looking for a state where you can grow your weed. There are certain regulations in place but that’s to be expected because you don’t want to overdo things more than they are. What we’d recommend is exploring good-quality seed banks or local dispensaries before you dive deep into the cultivation.
