Massachusetts Cannabis Consumers Take Advantage of Increased Purchase Limit
In the first two days after the state’s daily purchase limit for marijuana was doubled, cannabis buyers placed over 900 orders that exceeded the previous limit of one ounce. The new limit, set at two ounces, took effect on April 19, coinciding with the unofficial cannabis holiday, 4/20. According to data from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), consumers made 133 purchases exceeding the old limit on April 19, worth a total of $17,400. On April 20, there were 767 purchases in excess of one ounce, worth $99,667.
The increased purchase limit was part of a broader cannabis reform law signed by Governor Maura Healey on April 19. The law also restructured the CCC, which held its first public meeting under the new leadership on Thursday. The meeting featured Chairman Chris Harding, a former businessman with experience in the Baker and Healey administrations, and new commissioners Xiomara DeLobato and Anthony Wilson.
The CCC has been actively working to address issues with testing fraud and mislabeled products. Last week, the agency announced plans to begin auditing the THC levels listed on cannabis products to ensure compliance with labeling regulations. If a product’s THC potency is found to be outside the range of 75% to 125% of what is listed on the label, it will be removed from the market until the issue is resolved.
The cannabis industry in Massachusetts has seen significant growth, with over 687 adult-use businesses and 93 medical businesses currently operating in the state. Additionally, there are 663 businesses in the pipeline with at least some level of license approval from the CCC. The industry supports over 20,000 jobs in the state.
