Even though adult recreational cannabis is legal in Massachusetts, smoking, vaping, or consuming marijuana in any Boston public place is prohibited under MGL Ch. 94G §13 and Boston Code Ch. 16-30.
MGL Ch. 94G §13(c) bars consumption of marijuana in any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited, including parks, beaches, sidewalks, and MBTA stations. Boston extends this through Boston Code Ch. 16-30 and BPHC tobacco regulations, treating cannabis smoke and vapor like tobacco for purposes of the workplace and public-space ban. A first offense draws a $100 civil fine. Edibles consumed in public are also prohibited. Massachusetts has authorized social-consumption establishments, but Boston had not opened licensing for cannabis cafes as of 2026; consumption remains lawful only on private property with the owner's consent.
First-offense civil fines start at $100, with marijuana confiscation; combining public consumption with operation of a motor vehicle triggers OUI penalties under MGL Ch. 90 §24, including license loss and possible jail.
Boston, MA
Drinking alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and parking lots in Boston is prohibited under Boston Code Ch. 16-12 and is enforced through f...
Boston, MA
Boston regulates cannabis retail establishments through the Boston Cannabis Board (CBC Ord. §8-13) and zoning approval by the BPDA. Dispensaries must be at l...
See how Boston's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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