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Shopping for Cannabis in Greater Boston

Massachusetts allows adults over age 21 to use marijuana / cannabis for recreation. Yay – legal weed is easily accessible in the Bay State, without fear of lawbreaking.
It is a longer step for many of us from knowing that pot is legal getting into and out of a pot shop with the cannabis product and experience we are hoping for. Here is your guide, from soup to nuts (or, if you prefer, from match to roach).

Cannabis - The Shopping Experience

Preparation before you head out to the marijuana shop or dispensary is valuable, and that entails much more than simply finding a store. (Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission helps you find a store at its Find a Retailer page. (Small tip: on the commission’s website, the abbreviation ME refers to “marijuana establishments” – that is, retail stores. And MTC stands for medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (more below on medical marijuana in Massachusetts).
Before you even set out for the cannabis dispensary, think about the pot-use experience you want to have. Do you want to go to a very, very mellow place? Do you want to get pumped up for (mental or physical) activity, adventure, or – dare we say – partying? Do you help to finally, finally get a good night’s sleep? Do you want help with minor pain, depression or anxiety?
Do you want to smoke the flower (that is, the actual buds of the plant), or vape, or eat a cannabis infused food, or take a bit of tincture under your tongue? All those marijuana delivery options are available to you.
Having at least a general idea of these answers will go a long way in helping your budtender (that is a pot shop clerk) help you choose the right product.
Also, before you head out for your shopping experience it is good to look at the website, Facebook, and Twitter pages of the cannabis store you plan to visit. Be aware that you may encounter long lines at the front door of the pot shop when you arrive, especially on relaxation days and times, like weekends or evenings.

  • If you have checked out the store’s website, and know what you want, in some cases you may order online for pickup when you arrive. Some stores offer home delivery service.
  • Look at the store’s Twitter and Facebook pages – they may flag information like current wait times.
  • In general, it is smart to shop at lull times, avoiding Friday nights and Saturdays to visit a cannabis establishment.

Off to the Market We Go!

You must be age 21 and older and have a government-issued photo ID. Even if you are from another state, you may buy marijuana in Massachusetts if you fulfill the two requirements. However… out-of-state residents may not purchase medical-grade marijuana in Massachusetts.
Have with you enough cash or a debit card. You cannot pay for cannabis with a credit card. Some dispensaries may have an ATM on the property (their websites should tell you this - and there is a processing fee if you use a debit card).
Don’t expect to pop into a store with your child (under age 21). This is not like a trip to the grocery store or even a wine shop or liquor store. People under age 21 may not enter the building.
When you are admitted, you will be directed to a budtender (sales clerk). This person is your best friend for the next 10 minutes or so. Budtenders know the product and the delivery methods. This is the person to whom you present your homework (see above), describing your objectives for your cannabis experience. If the system is working smoothly, your budtender is qualified and eager to take you there.
You can go into the weed shopping experience knowing about marijuana strains, but you don’t need to. In general, the two major strains are indicas and sativas. Indicas (think: in-da-cah) are calming and soothing and relaxation-promoting. Sativas, in contrast, promote stimulation and uplift, both physical and mental. Hybrids, and the name implies, produce a combination effect.
A note on quantities: under Massachusetts law, you may buy up to one ounce of flower, five grams of concentrate, or 20 servings of edibles at a time. Regarding possession, you may have and transport a maximum of these quantities on the street and in public.

  • People are allowed to have up to ten ounces of marijuana at home.
  • When you are transporting weed -- say, in your car -- it must be in a sealed container.
  • As with alcohol, it is against the law to drive while under the influence of cannabis – regardless of the form (smoke, gummies, tincture) by which you ingested it.
  • You may not ingest cannabis in any public place. If you are caught doing so, you face a $100 fine.
  • You may not cross state lines with marijuana in your possession, even if you are passing to or from two states where recreational marijuana is legal. This is federal law.
Berkshire Roots A - Boston & Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire Roots - Boston

253 Meridian Street East Boston, MA, 02128 Phone: 617-420-2565

Boston shop prides itself on customer service, product innovation and locally grown cannabis

Providing curated cannabis for every lifestyle, Berkshire Roots in Boston not only prides itself on quality and product innovation, but also on friendly, knowledgeable customer service. Its craft-grown cannabis is from Berkshire County, and team members in cultivation, extraction lab and infused products are considered among the best in the state. The shop offers a wide variety of products, from flower (pre-ground and small buds) to single and multipack pre-rolls, concentrates, cookies, blunts and oral sprays. Other products include infused seltzers, tinctures, topicals and edibles from chews and fruit gummies to capsules, dark and milk chocolate bars and even rub seasonings to sprinkle on your favorite dishes. The modern, comfortable, secure shop also sells accessories and apparel. Check the website for information on delivery options.

DISCLAIMER: Cannabis/marijuana products have not been analyzed or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using such products, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of Massachusetts.
  • Please Consume Responsibly.
  • Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.
  • For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children.
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