Massachusetts Marijuana License
Massachusetts allows adult-use and medical cannabis. The Cannabis Control Commission licenses cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, microbusinesses, delivery operators and labs, with fee waivers for social equity and other eligible applicants.
Overview
Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana in 2012 and adult-use cannabis in 2016. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) licenses and regulates both programs.
Every applicant needs a Host Community Agreement with the city or town where it will operate. The CCC issues a provisional license first, then a final license after inspection. Delivery licenses were reserved for social equity and economic empowerment applicants during an initial exclusivity period.
License Types
- Marijuana Cultivator (Tiers 1–11 by canopy) and Craft Marijuana Cooperative
- Product Manufacturer
- Retailer
- Microbusiness
- Delivery Operator and Courier
- Transporter
- Independent Testing Laboratory
- Social Consumption Establishment and Research Facility
Key Requirements
- Host Community Agreement and community outreach meeting
- Background checks for owners and people with financial interests
- Security, operations and diversity plans; positive impact plan for disproportionately affected communities
- Compliance with local zoning and buffer zones
Fees
- Retailer, Product Manufacturer, Testing Lab: $1,500 application; $10,000 annual license
- Cultivator: $200–$2,000 application and $1,250–$50,000 annual license by tier (lower for outdoor)
- Delivery Operator: $1,500 application; $10,000 license. Courier/Transporter: $5,000 license
- Microbusiness: no application fee; 50% of applicable license fees
- Waivers: eligible social equity, economic empowerment and small diverse businesses have application fees waived and license fees cut 50%
Application Process
- Negotiate a Host Community Agreement and hold a community outreach meeting.
- Submit the application packets (intent, background, management and operations) with the fee.
- Receive a provisional license after CCC review.
- Complete buildout and pass inspection.
- Receive the final license and commence operations; renew annually.
Regulations
- Adults 21+ may possess up to 1 ounce in public and 10 ounces at home, and grow up to 6 plants (12 per household)
- Ownership caps limit how many licenses one entity can hold
- Cities and towns can limit or ban cannabis businesses
Medical Marijuana Card
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident with a debilitating condition certified by a registered physician or nurse practitioner (cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's, Parkinson's, ALS, MS and other conditions the clinician certifies)
How to apply
- Get certified by a CCC-registered clinician.
- Register online with the CCC Medical Use of Marijuana Program.
- Receive your patient card and buy at a medical treatment center.
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MarijuanaLicense.com is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with any state agency. This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Fees, rules and application windows change; confirm with the official regulator before applying.
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