Boston, MA Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)
Key Facts
- Personal Limit
- 6 plants per adult 21+
- Household Limit
- 12 plants maximum
- Security
- Locked space, not visible from public
- State Law
- MGL c.94G §7
- Local Restrictions
- None beyond state law
Summary
Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis in 2016 under MGL c.94G. Adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants per person and 12 per household. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space not visible from public areas. Boston does not impose additional municipal restrictions on home cultivation beyond state law.
Section 7. Personal use of marijuana (a) Notwithstanding any other general or special law to the contrary, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person 21 years of age or older shall not be arrested, prosecuted, penalized, sanctioned or disqualified under the laws of the commonwealth in any manner, or denied any right or privilege and shall not be subject to seizure or forfeiture of assets for: (1) possessing, using, purchasing, processing or manufacturing 1 ounce or less of marijuana, except that not more than 5 grams of marijuana may be in the form of marijuana concentrate; (2) within the person's primary residence, possessing up to 10 ounces of marijuana and any marijuana produced by marijuana plants cultivated on the premises and possessing, cultivating or processing not more than 6 marijuana plants for personal use so long as not more than 12 plants are cultivated on the premises at once.
Full Breakdown
Under MGL c.94G §7, adults 21 and older may cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants per person, with a household maximum of 12 plants regardless of the number of adults in residence. Plants must be cultivated in the person's primary residence in an area equipped with a lock or security device preventing access by minors. Cultivation must not be visible from a public place without the use of binoculars or aircraft. Landlords and property owners may prohibit cultivation in lease agreements. Boston's municipal code does not add restrictions beyond state law for personal home cultivation. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulates commercial cultivation separately. Home cultivators may possess all marijuana produced by their plants but may not sell it. Odor from home cultivation that constitutes a nuisance may be subject to complaint through Boston 311.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 6 plants per person or 12 per household is a civil offense with a $100 fine for a first offense under state law. Cultivation visible from public areas or accessible to minors may result in criminal charges. Sale of home-grown cannabis without a license is a criminal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in Boston?
Can my Boston landlord prohibit cannabis cultivation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boston
Compare Boston to another location·View the Massachusetts cannabis regulations overview
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