Finding Your Best Dispensary in Massachusetts

How much do you know about cannabis legalization in Massachusetts? The more you know, the better you can find the best dispensary near you for your Massachusetts shop needs. So let’s start with the basics.

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Is medical cannabis legal in Massachusetts?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is that cannabis legalization is ongoing in Massachusetts. In 2012, Massachusetts became the eighteenth state to legalize medical cannabis. Over 60% of Massachusetts voters approved Question 3, called “the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative.” The first medical cannabis dispensary in MA opened in the summer of 2015.

In 2016, Question 4 awarded medical cannabis patients more protections. The voter-approved measure eliminated state criminal and civil penalties for registered patients using cannabis as medicine, permitted patients to grow up to six cannabis plants in their home, and authorized registered patients to possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis. 

In 2017, employees who use medical cannabis gained further projections when an MA court ruled that employees may file claims for employment-related discrimination related to a patient’s legal use of medical cannabis. However, there is still work that needs to be done. For example, Massachusetts still does not provide patient protections in the area of housing discrimination. 

Is recreational cannabis legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, recreational cannabis is legal in MA, too. In 2016, Massachusetts voters elected to legalize recreational cannabis in the Commonwealth when they passed Question 4. The first recreational cannabis dispensary sale occurred in Western Massachusetts on November 20, 2018. Temescal Wellness in Massachusetts opened our doors to recreational cannabis not long after.

• After opening Framingham’s first medical dispensary in September of 2018 at 665 Cochituate Road, our Framingham dispensary opened its doors to recreational cannabis sales in July 2020!
• In January of 2019, Temescal Wellness in Pittsfield opened its doors to recreational cannabis purchases at 10 Callahan Drive, marking Berkshire County's second recreational cannabis dispensary.
• In February of 2019, Temescal Wellness opened Massachusetts’ ninth adult-use recreational cannabis dispensary in Hudson, Massachusetts, and the first recreational marijuana shop in the MetroWest area, at 252 Coolidge Street.

However, like with medical cannabis, winning these ballots did not mark the end of the fight for legal cannabis sales in Massachusetts. Originally, the initiative set January 1, 2018 as the date for state licensing of adult-use cannabis dispensaries, but after Question 4 passed, the Massachusetts Legislature swiftly moved to make changes to the implementation timeline, and they successfully delayed the opening of adult-use cannabis dispensaries in Massachusetts by six months.

Finally in August of 2022, those with previous criminal records related to cannabis possession or cultivation (that have since been decriminalized) are able to petition for their expungement under the law — sort of like a cannabis equity law, with room for improvement. And, although our country’s approach to cannabis law enforcement has shifted dramatically in the 15 years, cannabis is not yet federally decriminalized, our President has no plans to sign legislation for federal legalization, and the use of cannabis is still often stigmatized.

But some, including minority rights activists and pro-cannabis activists and educators, keep fighting the good fight. For example, Big Hope Project is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that provides free sealing and expungement services and educational events in areas disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. And The Last Prisoner Project, with whom Temescal Wellness dispensaries have previously partnered, formed in 2019 with the mission to free the tens of thousands of individuals still unjustly imprisoned for cannabis in the country. 

Who can buy recreational and medical cannabis in Massachusetts?

While justice for those disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs still has a long way to go, those looking for the best dispensaries for their cannabis needs can look no further than right here in Massachusetts. Anyone over the age of 21 with a government-issued ID can purchase and enjoy recreational cannabis, and you don’t need to be a Massachusetts resident to do so.

While recreational cannabis purchases must be made by someone 21+, if you are 18 years or older with a qualifying medical condition, you can apply for your medical cannabis card in Massachusetts. In fact, we have a blog that outlines the medical cannabis patient perks and benefits for those who are seeking to alleviate symptoms and find wellness with cannabis.

There are limits for how much product recreational and medical cannabis guests can buy at one time when they visit, however. For recreational cannabis guests, Massachusetts law permits the purchase of up to one ounce of flower or five grams of concentrate at a time. You can purchase up to 500 milligrams of edibles per day, about 5 packages. Medical cannabis patients have a rolling allotment and can purchase and possess up to a 60-day supply as prescribed by their doctor to a maximum of ten ounces.

Where are the best cannabis dispensaries in Massachusetts?

The best cannabis dispensary in MA is going to be a recreational or medical cannabis shop that best suits your weed needs. Before you shop, check out our recent blog to learn more about the difference between medical and recreational cannabis shopping.

Do you enjoy highly potent THC vapes with live resin or distillate? How about freshly ground and packed pre-rolled joints at a competitive price? If you do, then look for Temescal Wellness dispensaries in Hudson, Pittsfield and Framingham, where we offer deals on pre-rolled joints and vape bundles as well as cumulative pricing on our high quality recreational cannabis flower and concentrates.

Cannabis lovers in the MetroWest area who are searching for a “rec shop near me,” will find that the Temescal Wellness dispensary in Hudson offers a wide variety of cannabis products on recreational cannabis menus. Medical cannabis patients also love our Hudson dispensary for its medical-exclusive special products and knowledgeable staff. Plus, Temescal Wellness Hudson gives medical patients access to loyalty points that you can apply towards future visits to any Temescal Wellness dispensary in Massachusetts, with our VIP Cannabis Club program. You can even sign up for free easily on our site!

If you’re on the other side of the Massachusetts Turnpike near Framingham State University, you can find another great dispensary in Framingham. Temescal Wellness in Framingham offers more great options for recreational cannabis guests and medical cannabis patients in MetroWest. At our dispensary in Framingham, look for in-house cannabis products, as well as a wide variety of partnered brands that the Grassachusetts community knows and loves — like veteran and women-owned businesses.

For those cannabis lovers who are closer to upstate New York, Great Barrington, and the Berkshires, you can find great options for wellness when you visit the Temescal Wellness dispensary in Pittsfield. Our kind and knowledgeable staff at Temescal Wellness in Pittsfield are eager to help you find the medical cannabis you’re looking for to alleviate symptoms, or the  recreational weed you need!

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Wherever you are in Grassachusetts, one of the reasons that Temescal Wellness is among the best dispensaries in Massachusetts is because you’ll find many ways to save money on cannabis at Temescal Wellness dispensaries, whether you’re a medical patient ordering cannabis online or a walk-in adult-use guest looking for an educated budtender’s recommendation. Be sure to ask our kind staff how you can save on your next weed shop visit. Check out our menus and find your best cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts today!

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