How To Safely Consume Recreational & Medical Cannabis in Massachusetts
‘Marijuana’ – also called weed, herb, grass, pot, ganja, etc. – is dried flower made from the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant. It can be smoked, rolled, or infused into foods, drinks, and topicals. The main psychoactive chemical in cannabis is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The plant also contains other compounds called cannabinoids that produce an array of beneficial effects. Treat this section as a new user guide for learning about legal cannabis in Massachusetts.
Cannabis Dispensary FAQ
Adult-use recreational dispensaries in MA are now officially open to the public – for Adults 21+ (with valid, government-issued ID).
You are able to buy up to 1 ounce of flower, or 5 grams of concentrate, or 500mg of edibles per day. Or a combination of all three as to not exceed the daily limit.
In Massachusetts, is still illegal to consume cannabis in public; this includes sidewalks, parks, and public transportation. Legal cannabis is currently only allowed to be consumed at a private residence, but we’re hoping to see social consumption lounges in the very near future.
From flower, concentrates, edibles, and more, you can find more about what Lazy River Products offers on our Products page.
It is illegal to travel with cannabis products out of state. Since cannabis is still federally illegal, you cannot cross MA state lines while in possession.
There are several different types of cannabis: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrids. Each have various effects and attributes. Sativas are often associated with more uplifting and focused effects, while Indicas are associated with relaxing and calming effects. Ask your budtender about what kind of experience you want, in order to figure out which products work best for you.
No. It is currently illegal to consume cannabis on the premises of any dispensary.
The cannabis plant also produces cannabinoids, like CBD, which have many beneficial uses (similar to THC, but without the “high”). Many products, including cannabis topicals, tinctures, and balms will have CBD in them for the added benefits without the psychoactive “high” effect.
Marijuana Consumption Methods for Massachusetts Consumers
Inhalation
By far the most popular methods of consumption are joints and blunts: flower that is ground up and rolled in a joint paper or tobacco paper. Pick up a pre-roll from us for a convenient, ready to go package, or grab some papers and roll your own.
Learn how to roll a joint here: Leafly.com/how-to-roll-a-joint
• Peak effect: 15-30 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
Oral
Edibles (cannabis-infused food and drinks) are metabolized by your liver, and therefore have a delayed but longer lasting effect. This product type can be in the form of weed gummies or chocolates, mints and hard candies, even infused beverages. Start with only 1 to 5mg per serving and wait 30 minutes before consuming more. A common mistake with cannabis edibles is eating too much before starting to feel the effects.
• Peak effect: 2-4 Hours
• Duration: 5-10 hours
Topical
Cannabis topicals are applied to your skin and processed through your bloodstream. Topicals infused with cannabinoids usually yield a milder high and can provide relief to sore or tight areas.
• Peak effect: 2-4 Hours
• Duration: 3-6 hours
Sublingual
Sublinguals such as cannabis tinctures are administered under the tongue and held for some time before swallowing. They get absorbed into the bloodstream for faster-acting relief. Tinctures are a consumption method that works quicker than edibles but slower than joints, blunts, or bongs.
• Peak effect: 30 min.
• Duration: 3-8 hours
Bong or Pipe
A popular method of consuming cannabis flower is to use a water pipe or piece that is made from glass, ceramics, or plastic. A bong (or bubbler) is a pipe which usually has a water chamber for smoke filtration. Learn more about bongs here: https://thehighco.co.za/bong-101-guide/
• Peak effect: 10-30 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
Dabbing
Smoking vaporized concentrate by heating up a nail and inhaling the vapors produced is called ‘dabbing’. It is generally advised to start with a very small amount, because the effects of dabbing are stronger and more acute than the effects of smoking flower. Vape pens fall into this category as well, offering a more discreet and on-the-go way to consume cannabis concentrates and oils. Weed pens can come in 510-threaded cartridges, disposable forms, or custom applications.
• Peak effect: 1-10 min.
• Duration: 3-6 hours
Consumer Education from Our Dracut Dispensary
Our comprehensive Consumer Education Handbook is now available for download in English, Spanish, and Khmer. This essential cannabis education resource covers a wide range of topics, including the adult-use marijuana program in Massachusetts, proper handling of cannabis, an overview of the different cannabinoids and their benefits, and detailed information on various cannabis products and methods of consumption. Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or new to the industry, this handbook is your go-to guide for staying informed and making educated decisions. Download your copy today and empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the world of legal cannabis.
