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Boston, MA Cannabis Regulations: Personal Cultivation Limits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Per-person limit
6 mature plants
Household cap
12 plants total
Visibility rule
Not visible from public
Minor access
Must be locked away
Sales
Prohibited without CCC license

Summary

Adults 21 and over in Boston may grow up to six cannabis plants per person and twelve per household under MGL Chapter 94G Section 7, provided the plants are not visible from public view and are secured from minors.

(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; (3) assisting another person who is 21 years of age or older in any of the acts described in this section; or (4) giving away or otherwise transferring without remuneration up to 1 ounce of marijuana, except that not more than 5 grams of marijuana may be in the form of marijuana concentrate, to a person 21 years of age or older, as long as the transfer is not advertised or promoted to the public.

Source: Massachusetts General LawsView official code

Full Breakdown

MGL Chapter 94G Section 7 authorizes adults 21 and older to cultivate up to 6 mature plants for personal use, with a household cap of 12 plants regardless of how many adults live there. Boston follows the state framework and adds no additional plant cap, but enforces existing zoning and building rules: cultivation cannot occur in a public-facing window, must be in a locked space inaccessible to minors, and cannot generate odors, light, or ventilation impacts that violate Boston Code Chapter 16 nuisance standards. Tenants should also check leases, since landlords may prohibit cultivation. Selling home-grown cannabis remains illegal without a CCC license.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding plant counts, growing in public view, or selling home-grown cannabis can lead to seizure, civil fines under MGL 94G, and Boston nuisance citations for odor or building-code violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Boston roommates and I each grow six plants?
No. State law caps any household at 12 plants total regardless of how many adults live there, and the cap applies even in shared apartments under MGL Chapter 94G Section 7.
Can my landlord ban home cultivation?
Yes. Massachusetts law allows landlords to prohibit cannabis cultivation and smoking in rental units through lease terms, similar to how they may prohibit tobacco smoking, even though state law allows the activity.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boston

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