Have Questions About Cannabis In Massachusetts, Like Can It Be Given As A Gift?

A voter-approved law allowing adults to possess, grow and use limited amounts of recreational marijuana has now taken effectin Massachusetts, but it will still be at least another year before the state issues retail licenses to sell the drug. For now, that leaves recreational users with little choice but to buy it from illegal dealers.

The ballot measure passed last month by a margin of more than 240,000 votes out of nearly 3.8 million total votes cast.

Heres a look at the new law, including whats legal and whats not.

Possession

The possession and use of any amount of recreational marijuana by anyone under the age of 21 remains illegal. Adults 21 and over may possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana outside of their homes. Possession of more than 1 ounce but less than 2 ounces can result in a civil fine of up to $100. Possession of more than 2 ounces outside the home is considered a criminal offense. Adults 21 and over may possess up to 10 ounces of pot inside their homes.

Cultivation

The law allows individual adults 21 and over to grow up to 6 marijuana plants at home, and up to 12 plants per household if two or more adults live in the home. Exceeding those limits can result in civil fines or criminal charges. Marijuana plants cannot be grown in a place that is plainly visible from the street or any public area. Tenants take note: Landlords may prohibit you from growing marijuanaplants.

Sales

Marijuana can only be legally sold in Massachusetts by a licensed retailer. But there wont be any licenses granted for at least a year, if not longer. First, the law requires creation of a three-member Cannabis Control Commission, overseen by the state treasurer, which among other things will be responsible for reviewing retail applications and eventually licensing cannabisshops. For now, itcannot be sold in any fashion (except to registered medical marijuana patients), even though its legal to possess and use for recreational purposes. Unlicensed sales can bring either civil or criminal penalties.

Consumption

Marijuana use remains illegal in any public place, including parks and other recreational areas, public streets and sidewalks and so forth. Also a simple rule of thumb: If you are in a place where it is against the rules to use tobacco, it also against the rules to use marijuana. Police can issue civil fines of up to $100 for consumption of marijuana in a public place.

Driving

Just like before the law, you cant drive a car under the influence of marijuana. Police can pull a car over and issue citations if they see the driver or passenger smoking marijuana in the vehicle. And similar to the law that ...