The 2016 ballot petition known as “Question 4” became Chapter 334 of the Acts of 2016. It created General Laws Chapter 94G which governs the adult use of marijuana and creates the Cannabis Control Commission (“Commission”). Chapter 334 and G.L. c.94G was amended by Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017. These laws are herein referred to as The 2017 Act, unless otherwise noted. See Marijuana Laws in Massachusetts.

The Commission will establish regulations with input from the Cannabis Advisory Board, stakeholders and the public.

Under the law, industrial hemp can only be used for research purposes and for commercial purposes determined to be reasonable by the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR). The Massachusetts DAR is the agency responsible for this process.