Marijuana FAQ

Since the passage of Question 4 (aka The Regulation & Taxation of Marijuana Act) and the subsequent new laws pertaining to the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana in Massachusetts, we have received numerous inquiries about what in fact is legal and what is not. To help answer some of these questions, the Longmeadow Police Department has generated this marijuana informational sheet. First and foremost, while the media and other outlets refer to the passage of Question 4 as the “legalization” of marijuana, you will see this is not entirely true. Penalties, or the lack thereof, depend on the age of the offender and the amount of marijuana possessed.

FOR INDIVIDUALS 21 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER:

• You can possess up to one (1) ounce of marijuana in public or 10 ounces or less in a private residence. However, “in public” does not mean consuming marijuana in public. More simply, it means if you are out in public and possessing up to an ounce of marijuana in a backpack, your pocket, etc, you can do so.
• If you are found in possession of more than one (1) ounce in public, but LESS THAN two (2) ounces, you will be subject to a $100 civil citation. The marijuana more than the allowed one (1) ounce will be seized.
• Finally, if you are found in possession of over two (2) ounces of marijuana in public, this is still a crime and an arrestable offense (Possession of Class D; Marijuana).

FOR INDIVIDUALS AGE 18 TO 20 YEARS OLD:

• If found to be in possession of one (1) ounce of marijuana or less in public or at a private residence, you are subject to a $100 civil citation and a seizure of the marijuana.
• If found to be in possession of over one (1) ounce of marijuana, you are subject to arrest (Possession of Class D; Marijuana).

FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18:

• If you are found in possession of less than one (1) ounce of marijuana in public or in private, you are subject to a $100 civil citation and a mandatory completion of a drug awareness program within one (1) year.
• If the program is not completed within the given time frame, the fine may be increased to $1,000.
• If you are found to be in possession of over one (1) ounce of marijuana in public or in a private residence, you are subject to arrest (Possession of Class D; Marijuana).
• Parents of the offender will also be notified.

CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA

For individuals 21 years of age or older, you may grow six (6) marijuana plants PER PERSON, with no more than 12 plants within the house. In layman’s terms, if you are the lone occupant of your house, you may grow no more than six (6) plants, however, if there is another person living in the house, there can be no more than 12 plants. Twelve plants are the absolute most allowed to be grown, regardless if there are two people in the residence or ten.

If in possession of over 12 plants, this is still a criminal offense (Cultivation of Marijuana) and arrestable. Also, note that the growing of the allowed number of plants can take place either indoors or outdoors. However, if the growing is occurring outside, it must not be visible from a public place. Violators of this area subject to a $300 civil citation and the visible plants will be seized.

“GIFTING” OF MARIJUANA BETWEEN ADULTS

Within the wording of this law are also regulations pertaining to the commercial sale of marijuana.  The commercial system will be regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC); however, this commission will not be established until July of 2018.  So, I’m sure you’re thinking “If I can possess up to an ounce of marijuana legally, where do I get it from, legally?”  This new law allows for the “gifting” of up to an ounce of marijuana from one adult to another.  For those who grow the legal amount of marijuana in their home, they can “gift” up to an ounce to another adult.

What is “gifting” you may ask? “Gifting” means that the transfer of the marijuana from one adult to another (adult being 21+ years old) must occur without the transfer of money, valued goods, or a non-monetary payment. For example, you cannot trade a video game for an ounce of marijuana, or even provide a certain service for marijuana.  If found to be in violation of this, the “seller” and the “buyer” are open to criminal charges and possible arrest.  While individuals are only allowed to gift up to an ounce of marijuana, any gifting of more than an ounce is considered distribution and the “gifter” and receiver are open to criminal charges.

Even more important to note is that any gift/sale to anyone/between anyone under 21 is considered distribution and criminal charges can occur.  This includes the “social sharing” of marijuana from a 21+ year old individual to a minor, as well as if the transfer of marijuana occurs between two individuals under 21 years old.

WHERE CAN I SMOKE MARIJUANA?

We have received numerous inquiries since the passage of the law questioning where marijuana can be used.  In short, the public consumption of marijuana is prohibited and violators of this are subject to a $100 civil citation under M.G.L 94G, 13(c).  The legislature has also granted all cities and towns permission to pass their own by-laws pertaining to the public consumption of marijuana and allows for up to a $300 civil citation be issued to violators.  Now, Longmeadow has no town by-law, meaning the penalty for public consumption remains the state mandated minimum $100.

The law also states that smoking marijuana is prohibited in any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited. This includes private offices, elevators, medical facilities, bars, stadiums, colleges, libraries, and child care centers, just to name a few.  Violators of this are subject to a $100 civil citation.