City reminds residents about marijuana rules before Dec. 15 legalization

BOSTON - On Thursday, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will recognize marijuana as a legal substance for adults 21 and over, and the City of Boston reminds residents of the following rules and standards that are to be enacted with the new law:

Possession of Marijuana

• Adults may carry up to one ounce of marijuana in public. Five grams of that may be a marijuana concentrate.
• Adults cannot have more than ten ounces of marijuana in their residence.

Growing Marijuana

• Each resident in the state can grow up to six plants, but there can be no more than 12 plants in a household. Adults must grow plants in their primary residence in a locked or secured location.
• Plants cannot be visible from a public space without the use of binoculars, an aircraft or other visual aids.

Medical Marijuana

• The new law will not affect medical marijuana.
• Medical marijuana is a separate program overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Smoking in Boston

• Residents and visitors cannot smoke in public parks in Boston. This includes marijuana and tobacco.
• "No smoking" means residents cannot inhale, exhale, burn or carry any:
  • lighted cigar, cigarette, or pipe,
  • lighted or vaporized substance in any manner or form.
  • This includes marijuana, even if it's used for medical reasons.

Additional Restrictions

• The marijuana law prevents adults from consuming marijuana in a public place where smoking tobacco is prohibited. The law allows for a fine of up to $100 for each offense.
• Under the law, "marijuana products" include:
  • edible products and beverages
  • topical products and ointments, and
  • oils and tinctures.
• Under the law, resident cannot have an open container of marijuana or marijuana products in their motor vehicle. Offenders can be fined up to $500 for each offense.
• "Open container" means a package of marijuana or marijuana products with a broken seal, or with some of the contents removed. Residents must keep an open container in a locked glove compartment or trunk.
• The new law doesn't change the existing state laws for operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana. It's still illegal, and subject to the same fines and penalties.

For additional information, visit boston.gov/marijuana, contact Boston 311, or view the legislation for marijuana legalization.