For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wenham Police Offer Guidance on Marijuana Legalization

WENHAM — With the legalization of recreational and commercial marijuana now in effect in Massachusetts, Chief Thomas Perkins and the Wenham Police Department would like to provide community members with guidelines as to what has changed and what is the same under the new law.

Law enforcement agencies statewide received guidance on Wednesday from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and Secretary Daniel Bennett.

“To avoid confusion surrounding the legalization of marijuana, we ask that residents take a moment to review the state’s guidelines,” Chief Perkins said. “Those under 21 should remember that decriminalization laws still apply for possession of marijuana and will result in a civil penalty.”

As of Thursday, Dec. 15:

• A person age 21 or older may legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana outside their primary residence.
• A person age 21 or older may possess up to 5 grams of marijuana concentrate (such as cannabis oil).
• No civil penalties or tickets may be issued for legal possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate by those age 21 or older.
• Police may not seize lawful quantities of marijuana or marijuana concentrate.
• For persons between the ages of 18-21, marijuana possession remains decriminalized, and police may levy a civil penalty of $100.
• For persons under age 18, possession remains decriminalized, but juveniles in possession will be subject to a civil penalty of $100 and will be required to complete a drug awareness program or face a penalty of up to $1,000. (Parents may be held liable for the penalties.)
• Marijuana is still not allowed on the grounds of a public or private school.
• A person age 21 or older may possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana inside their primary residence. (Only one primary residence is allowed per person.)
• A person age 21 or older may grow/cultivate up to six marijuana plants OR a single residence, consisting of two or more people over age 21, may cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants if at least two people in the household are engaged in growing activity there.
• For example: In the case of households with two roommates, if one roommate wants to grow marijuana but the other does not wish to engage in the cultivation of marijuana, the other roommate may only grow six plants, not 12.
• Any person who exceeds the cultivation limits without a license from the Cannabis Control Commission, may be subject to civil fines for seven to 12 plants or criminal prosecution of a single person if that person exceeds 12 plants.
• A person age 21 or older may give under one ounce of marijuana to another person age 21 or older.
• Unlicensed selling or trading remains a criminal offense
• Sale of marijuana paraphernalia, such as bongs or pipes, to a person age 21 or older, is legal.
• Sale of marijuana paraphernalia, such as bongs or pipes, to a person between the ages of 18-20 remains a misdemeanor, while sale to minors remains a felony.
• A person under age 21 who purchases or attempts to purchase marijuana paraphernalia, is subject to a civil penalty of $100, but not criminal charges.
• It remains a crime to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of ANY drugs, including marijuana.
• Public consumption of marijuana is prohibited, unless used for medical purposes.
• Consumption of marijuana in any place that bans the use of tobacco (bars, restaurants, etc.) is prohibited.
• No person may possess an “open container” of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

Additionally, marijuana remains illegal under federal law and inside federal parks, buildings, and facilities.

Anyone with questions about the laws pertaining to the use of marijuana should contact the Wenham Police Department at 978-468-4000.

###