Proposed expansion of medical marijuana rules in Massachusetts

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Massachusetts regulators are considering eliminating residency requirements for medical marijuana purchases, allowing out-of-state patients diagnosed by local providers to access treatment in the state. This change aims to align Massachusetts with neighboring states, support patients’ continuity of care, and potentially boost the declining medical cannabis market ahead of a possible repeal of its recreational program.

Massachusetts cannabis regulators are considering a proposal to remove residency requirements for purchasing medical marijuana in the state, aiming to broaden access for out-of-state patients. The proposed regulatory change, presented at a Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) meeting on Thursday, would enable individuals aged 18 and older diagnosed with a "debilitating medical condition" by a Massachusetts-certified health care provider to register for medical marijuana, regardless of their state of residence. For minors under 18, those diagnosed with a “life-limiting illness” by two certified providers would also be eligible.

Currently, Massachusetts and Vermont are the only New England states that restrict medical marijuana sales to residents. If adopted, the state would align with other regional neighbors such as New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and Maine, all of which permit non-residents to access medical cannabis.

CCC Commissioner Xiomara DeLobato said removing residency restrictions provides a thoughtful way to expand treatment options for patients across the country who rely on medical marijuana. Advocates argue the change will provide continuity of care for patients visiting Massachusetts for medical reasons or family visits.

Jeremiah MacKinnon, president and executive director of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance, described the proposal as a positive step toward modernizing the state’s medical marijuana program. MacKinnon noted that Massachusetts’ robust healthcare infrastructure draws patients from other states for procedures, and allowing non-residents to access medical marijuana would enable them to continue their treatment tax-free while in the Bay State. He also emphasized that increasing the patient base could help stabilize the medical marijuana industry financially, which has seen a decline in recent years.

Data from the CCC shows a decrease in medical marijuana sales year-to-date, dropping from $17.9 million in September 2023 to $11.2 million in September 2026. MacKinnon said expanding patient eligibility could help reverse this trend by injecting more revenue into the market.

Massachusetts currently exempts medical cannabis purchases from state sales taxes. However, recreational cannabis products are available to adults over 21 from any state but are subject to a 6.25 percent state sales tax, a 10.75 percent excise tax, and up to 3 percent local option tax in municipalities with licensed retailers. Since legalization in 2016, the industry has generated approximately $2 billion in combined state and local tax revenue.

Ryan Dominguez, executive director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, highlighted that should voters pass Question 8 in the upcoming election—which proposes repealing the state’s recreational cannabis marketplace—these new regulations would provide an alternative path for out-of-state patients to access cannabis products in Massachusetts.

The CCC is currently soliciting public feedback on the proposed rule changes before any final decisions are made.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.