Is CBD Legal in Massachusetts? (April 2024)

Yes, CBD is legal in Massachusetts, thanks to the enactment of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. The state has established rules for the legal production and distribution of hemp through the Massachusetts Industrial Hemp Program, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). Hemp-derived CBD oil, which contains 0.3% THC or less, is legal in the state.

Massachusetts has both a medical marijuana program, established in 2012, and a recreational marijuana program, established in 2016. This means that marijuana and its derived products are legal for both medical and recreational use in Massachusetts. This includes CBD oils with a THC content higher than 0.3% by weight. The medical marijuana program allows patients with specific medical conditions to use marijuana and its products for therapeutic purposes. The recreational marijuana laws legalized marijuana and its derivatives for adults aged 21 and above. CBD oil derived from marijuana is also legal in Massachusetts under the state's marijuana laws, which are regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission.

CBD Laws in Massachusetts

In terms of CBD laws in Massachusetts for 2023, the cultivation and production of hemp were legalized nationwide in 2018 with the Hemp Farming Act. Massachusetts enacted rules to authorize and regulate the cultivation, harvest, processing, and retail of hemp, outlined in M.G.L.c 128.118. The Massachusetts Industrial Hemp Program, administered by the MDAR, handles the registration and licensing of hemp producers and processors.

CBD Possession Limits

There are no specific possession limits for CBD and CBD products derived from hemp in Massachusetts. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 and Massachusetts General Law do not impose any restrictions on the quantity of hemp that can be produced or processed in the state. However, possession limits for marijuana-derived CBD may exist under the adult-use marijuana legislation, which limits the amount of marijuana an individual can possess.

Can Doctors Prescribe CBD in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, doctors can provide certifications to eligible patients for the Medical Use of Marijuana Program, allowing them to use marijuana or marijuana products to treat specific debilitating medical conditions. Healthcare providers, such as doctors or advanced practice registered nurses licensed in Massachusetts, can issue recommendations for CBD use as part of the program. However, it is not mandatory to have a healthcare provider's certification to use CBD, as marijuana and marijuana products are available for recreational use. CBD derived from hemp is also legal nationwide and can be obtained without a doctor's recommendation.

Legal Age Limit for Purchasing CBD

The legal age to buy hemp-derived CBD products in Massachusetts is 18 years. However, for marijuana-derived CBD, the legal age is 21 years.

Can You Buy CBD in Massachusetts?

CBD products can be purchased legally in Massachusetts, both from licensed dispensaries and online retailers. While licensed dispensaries provide an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance, online retailers offer a wider variety of products. However, it is not legal to sell or purchase food or drink products containing CBD.

Buying CBD online is an option for consumers, regardless of whether the retailer is based in Massachusetts or elsewhere. Online retailers often offer a wide range of products, including those for pets. Many reputable online retailers also provide a Label Accuracy Guarantee, ensuring that third-party labs have tested the product to verify its contents.

Visiting a dispensary in Massachusetts allows individuals over the age of 21 to purchase CBD products. Recreational marijuana dispensaries not only sell marijuana but also offer CBD and marijuana-derived CBD, which contains higher levels of THC and is not federally legal but permitted within the state boundaries of Massachusetts.

Where to Buy CBD Online in Massachusetts

Pure Spectrum CBD

Established in 2015, Pure Spectrum CBD is an online CBD store that serves customers throughout America and offers free shipping for orders over $100.

Their product range comes in four categories: pure CBD and CBDA isolates, tinctures, hemp seed oil, and CBD for pets. All their CBD products are hemp based and contain less than 0.3% THC, which means that they are not intoxicating. The company is committed to organic cultivation practices and high processing standards including third-party testing.

Kanibi

Established in 2019, Kanibi is an online CBD store that's committed to “raising the bar” on CBD standards. Their product range is diverse, even including CBD chewing gum and sports creams. They also offer high potency CBD up to 1,500 mgs. All their CBD products are made from hemp that is grown in the US using organic practices.

They believe that the CBD manufacturing process should be transparent, meaning they double-test every single one of their products and never contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners,  or dyes. To top things off they offer free shipping on domestic orders exceeding $100.

Zatural

Established in 2018, Zatural was started by a naturopathic doctor and offers CBD products in three categories: recovery & relief, mood support, and sleep. They go the extra mile to offer free shipping on domestic orders over $5. This company has been featured on several reputable media outlets including WebMD, Men’s Journal, US Weekly, and Ministry of Hemp. What we love most about this company is the extensive and creative product range.

Zatural's extensive list of products is sourced from trusted sources here in the U.S. and worldwide. Each product is organically grown and is free from harmful chemicals and additives. Zatural products are third-party tested to ensure each product is safe.