MassachusettsCannabis Growing Guide
Everything you need to grow cannabis at home in Massachusetts. Laws, climate tips, recommended strains, and local resources.
Age Requirement
21+ years old
Plants Per Person
6 plants max
Household Maximum
12 plants
Legal Since
December 15, 2016
Legal Overview
Massachusetts legalized home cannabis cultivation through the Question 4 / The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act on December 15, 2016.
What's Allowed
- •Growing up to 6 cannabis plants per adult 21+
- •Up to 12 plants per household (if 2+ adults 21+)
- •Possessing up to 10 oz of cannabis at home
- •Keeping all cannabis produced by your plants
Not Allowed
- •Exceeding 6 plants per person or 12 per household
- •Growing plants visible from public places
- •Growing in an area without a lock or security device
- •Using volatile solvents for extraction
Location Requirements
Where and how you can legally grow cannabis in Massachusetts.
Locked & Secured
Plants must be grown in an area equipped with a lock or security device. This can be a locked room, closet, or grow tent.
Not Publicly Visible
Plants cannot be visible from a public place without the use of binoculars, aircraft, or other optical aids. Indoor growing is recommended.
Primary Residence
Cultivation should take place at your primary residence. Check with landlords before growing in a rental property.
Making Concentrates
Rules for making cannabis concentrates and extracts in Massachusetts.
Allowed Methods
- •Rosin pressing
- •Ice water hash
- •Dry sift
- •Alcohol extraction (non-commercial)
- •Infusing with food-safe oils
Prohibited Methods
- •Butane (BHO extraction)
- •Propane
- •Any liquid or gas with flashpoint below 100°F (except alcohol)
Important: Volatile solvents (butane, propane, etc.) are prohibited for home extraction in Massachusetts. Stick to solventless methods like rosin pressing and ice water hash.
Renting? Important Considerations
What renters in Massachusetts need to know about home cultivation.
- ⚠️Landlords can legally restrict or prohibit cannabis cultivation
- ⚠️Review your lease for cannabis-related clauses
- ⚠️Federally subsidized housing prohibits cannabis
- ⚠️Get clarification from landlord before growing
- ⚠️Consider odor control for apartment living
Compliance Tips
Best practices for staying compliant with Massachusetts cannabis laws.
✓Lock Your Grow
Massachusetts requires plants to be in an area with a lock or security device. A locked door or secured grow tent works.
✓Count by Person
Limits are 6 plants per person, 12 per household max. Harvest in cycles so you never exceed 6 flowering plants at once.
✓Home Storage
You can possess up to 10 oz at home plus any amount produced by your plants. Over 1 oz must be locked up.
✓No Volatile Extraction
You cannot use butane, propane, or other volatile solvents. Rosin presses and ice water hash are safe alternatives.
✓Early Adopter State
Massachusetts was one of the first East Coast states to legalize. The laws are well-established and straightforward.
Climate & Growing Season
USDA Zone
USDA Zones 5-7
Outdoor Season
Late May - Early October
Last Frost
Late April - Mid May
First Frost
Early October - Early November
Solid outdoor growing potential with appropriate strain selection.
Massachusetts has a humid continental climate similar to New York. Coastal areas have milder temps but higher humidity. Watch for late-season bud rot on outdoor grows. Indoor growing is popular year-round. Cape Cod and the Islands have slightly longer seasons.
Recommended Strains for Massachusetts
These strains are particularly well-suited for growing in Massachusetts's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 cannabis plants per person. If two or more adults 21+ live in the same household, the maximum is 12 plants total.
Do I need a license to grow cannabis at home in Massachusetts?
No license is required for personal home cultivation in Massachusetts. You just need to be 21+ and keep plants in a locked area not visible from public places.
When did home cannabis cultivation become legal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts voters approved Question 4 in November 2016, and it took effect on December 15, 2016. The state was one of the first on the East Coast to legalize recreational cannabis.
How much cannabis can I possess at home in Massachusetts?
You can possess up to 10 oz of cannabis at home, plus any amount produced by marijuana plants cultivated on the premises. Amounts over 1 oz must be secured with a lock.
Can I make cannabis concentrates at home in Massachusetts?
You can make concentrates using non-volatile methods like rosin pressing, ice water hash, or alcohol extraction. Using butane, propane, or other volatile solvents with a flashpoint below 100°F is prohibited.
Ready to Start Growing in Massachusetts?
Check out our complete growing guide and equipment recommendations.