Massachusetts Law About Marijuana Possession
Massachusetts Laws
- MGL c.94C, s.32L Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana. Effective January, 2009.
- MGL c.40, s.21D. The procedure to be followed in issuing a citation for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.
- MGL c.94C. Controlled substances act. Includes penalties for other drugs, trafficking or possession of more than one ounce of marijuana.
Selected Case Law
Comm. v. Cruz, 459 Mass. 459 (2011). "[T]here was no basis on which the police could order the defendant out of the vehicle without at least some other additional fact beyond the mere odor of burnt marijuana... in light of the enactment of G. L. c. 94C, ยงยง 32L-32N,..., which decriminalized possession of less than one ounce of marijuana."
Other Web Sources
2008 Statewide Ballot Initiative Question 2:"An Act Establishing a Sensible State Marihuana Policy", Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Site provides a lot of detailed information on the following topics: Citation process, Offenders under 18, Law Enforcement issues, Police procedure, Public safety employment issues, Firearms licensing, and Marijuana in the public schools.
Information About Massachusetts' Marijuana Laws, Acton Patch, 2011. Summarizes the law, with particular emphasis on the differences in punishment between adults and children.
Possession of Marihuana after January 2, 2009, District Court Memorandum. Memo explains the procedures courts and law enforcement officials should follow, and how the new law relates to existing laws.
Sample Bylaw: Public Consumption of Marihuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Provides a model bylaw that towns may choose to adopt.
Print Sources
Deciphering the New Law on Marijuana Possession, MCLE, 2009.