Home cannabis growing is legal in Massachusetts. An adult 21 or older may cultivate up to 6 plants, with a household cap of 12, out of public view. Northampton, Amherst, and other towns follow this state law.
Massachusetts voters legalized adult-use cannabis in 2016, and MGL c.94G governs it. Under c.94G §7, a person 21 or older may grow up to 6 marijuana plants for personal use at their primary residence, so long as no more than 12 plants are cultivated on the premises at once, and may keep the marijuana those plants produce. Plants must be in a locked area not visible from a public place without aid. Hampshire County towns, including Northampton, one of Massachusetts's first recreational markets, follow this statute; landlords may still restrict growing in rental units. This is a right, not a permitted-but-risky activity.
Growing within the 6-plant personal limit is legal. Exceeding 12 plants on the premises, or an unlicensed grow for sale, moves into civil or criminal penalties; plants left in public view can draw an order to screen them.
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See how Hampshire County's home cultivation rules stack up against other locations.
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