Cannabis Information by State: Massachusetts
Learn how MaxQ Cannabis can help your business
Licensing
Like most states, Massachusetts requires a state license to engage in commercial cannabis activity. Types of licenses include:
- Marijuana Retailer
- Marijuana Cultivator
- Craft Marijuana Cooperative
- Marijuana Manufacturer
- Marijuana Research Facility
- Marijuana Transporter
- Marijuana Microbusiness
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Regulations and Compliance
The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is responsible for the Recreation Marijuana program while the Massachusetts Department of Health is responsible for the medical marijuana program. Both require all licensed cannabis businesses to have an active seed-to-sale tracking system to ensure that medical cannabis and cannabis products are safely tracked and monitored prior to sale.
Licensees who engage in commercial cannabis activity must use Metrc, the designated state-wide tracking system, to track, record, and report inventory.
Because remaining compliant includes tracking and reporting everything down to the gram, automation is essential for saving time and cutting costs. Implementing an ERP system designed for the regulations and supply chain of the cannabis industry will help your business survive and thrive.
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Metrc Certified
MaxQ Cannabis is a Metrc certified solution
Packaging and Labeling
All packaging for retail sale of medical or adult-use marijuana must contain a label including:
- The name, registration number, phone number, and email address of the licensee that produced the marijuana and of the retail licensee
- The date the contents were packaged and a statement of which licensee performed the packaging
- The batch number, sequential serial number, and bar code to identify the batch
- Net weight or volume
- A Full cannabinoid profile of the marijuana
- A statement and seal that certifies the product has been tested and the date of tested
- A statement asserting that the product has not been approved by the FDA
- Additional information, like nutrition information, ingredients, expiration date, and direction for use, is required for edibles, concentrates/extracts, and tinctures/topicals
- The universal symbol that the product contains marijuana and the symbol that the product is harmful to children
Business and Advertising
Businesses must be aware of restrictions on advertising and marketing. At this time, several factors limit the marketing and advertising of cannabis products.
Advertising and marketing must:
- Include the statement “Please Consume Responsibly”
- Include a minimum of two state-specified warnings
- Be broadcasted or distributed where at least 85% of the audience is expected to be over the age of 21
- Verify that the user is 21 years old or older (for websites)
Advertising and marketing cannot:
- Be False or Misleading
- Jeopardize the public health or safety
- Promote marijuana use to individuals under the age of 21
- Use illustrations or designs that portray or appeal to anyone under the age of 21
- Advertise on any public or private vehicles
*Disclaimer: Cannabis laws vary by state and are subject to frequent changes. This article is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for legal counsel or binding business advice. Please consider consulting a Massachusetts lawyer for more information.
