Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to Massachusetts's Unique Market Needs

Unlock success in Massachusetts’s cannabis industry with Catalyst BC—your trusted partner for expert cannabis consulting, seamless cannabis licensing and applications, compliance with Massachusetts cannabis law, cutting-edge facility design, and maximizing yield & profit optimization.

Learn about Massachusetts Cannabis Laws

Massachusetts, located in the northeastern United States, is celebrated for its rich colonial history, vibrant communities, and dynamic economy. Home to over 7 million residents, Massachusetts is a hub of innovation and tradition in New England. Its strategic location, anchored by Boston—the state capital and one of the nation’s foremost cultural and economic centers—enhances its vitality, with cities like Cambridge, Worcester, and Springfield also playing key roles in business, education, and the arts.

The state boasts a diverse landscape, from the picturesque coastal regions of Cape Cod and the North Shore to bustling urban centers steeped in history and modern innovation. Massachusetts’ robust economy is driven by industries such as technology, higher education, healthcare, and finance, reflecting its unique blend of colonial heritage and forward-thinking enterprise. As one of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts continues to honor its pivotal role in American history while embracing the opportunities of the future.

Legal Status of Cannabis in Massachusetts

Cannabis is legal in Massachusetts for both medical and recreational use. Under the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program, patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Cardholders may purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries and must adhere to possession limits as defined by state guidelines.

Recreational cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and older. Current regulations allow adults to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public, with additional allowances for home storage. Moreover, Massachusetts permits personal cultivation of cannabis, allowing up to six plants per person (with a maximum of 12 plants per household). The state enforces strict quality and safety standards at licensed dispensaries, and penalties remain in place for unauthorized possession or distribution.

Catalyst BC, in alignment with Massachusetts’s legal framework, provides hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers with comprehensive seed-to-sale support. Our services include Massachusetts cannabis licensing and application assistance, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support, guidance on Massachusetts state cannabis laws, and more.

Book your complimentary Massachusetts cannabis consultation now.

Legal Status of Hemp Farming in Massachusetts

Hemp farming in Massachusetts is legal under the state’s Industrial Hemp Program, established in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) oversees the program, issuing licenses to grow, process, and handle industrial hemp. Farmers must adhere to rigorous THC testing requirements to ensure that hemp crops remain below the federal threshold of 0.3% THC, with any non-compliant crops subject to regulatory action.

Massachusetts’ hemp industry emphasizes the production of fiber, grain, and CBD products, while also fostering research and innovation to drive industry growth. To help you thrive in this market, our Massachusetts cannabis and hemp consulting team provides resources and expert guidance for local Massachusetts hemp growers navigating licensing and operational requirements, contributing to the development of a regulated and profitable hemp market.

Ready to start your journey in hemp farming in Massachusetts? Contact our Massachusetts cannabis and hemp consulting team today to get started.

Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in Massachusetts

The state’s regulated cannabis and hemp markets require a careful strategy to remain compliant with Massachusetts’s evolving cannabis laws.

Catalyst BC is the industry leader in Business Strategy, Financial Planning, Massachusetts Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround serving the Massachusetts cannabis and hemp industries.

Schedule your complimentary Massachusetts cannabis consultation to learn more.

Massachusetts Cannabis Application Guide

Massachusetts Cannabis Laws and Regulations

Research the laws and regulations governing adult-use or medical-use marijuana for more information about the regulatory requirements for licensure in the city or town you wish to operate.

Some municipalities, such as the City of Boston, require additional steps before submitting your application to the Commission. You may wish to speak with the municipality and inquire about the necessary requirements for operating a Marijuana Establishment within the area. View the status of municipal zoning and bylaws by city or town.

In line with national trends, state cannabis laws in Massachusetts are constantly evolving. Misinterpretation of Massachusetts cannabis law can result in fines and/or criminal penalties. With guidance from our Massachusetts cannabis consulting team, you can feel confident moving to the next steps of completing your Massachusetts cannabis application for a license.

Cannabis Application and Licensing Agency in Massachusetts (Cannabis Control Commission)

The Cannabis Control Commission regulates licensees that operate in the legal adult- and medical-use marijuana markets in Massachusetts. This includes reviewing applications and issuing licenses for adult-use Marijuana Establishments (MEs) and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs), formerly known as Registered Marijuana Dispensaries (RMDs).

Massachusetts Cannabis License Application Pre-Planning

Begin researching and writing the operational plans for your business—you’ll need these plans later when you submit your application to the Commission. All plans must be compliant with adult-use or medical-use regulations.

Some plans include, but are not limited to: a business plan, a diversity plan, a security plan, a plan for positive impact, and a plan to remain compliant with local codes and ordinances. Each plan should be tailored to your application and include items required in the regulations.

Documentation is the cornerstone and will determine your success in winning a Massachusetts cannabis license. Our Massachusetts cannabis consulting team will lead and coach you through the gathering and production of required documentation. Book your free Massachusetts cannabis consultation now to get started.

Cannabis License Types and Limits in Massachusetts

Applicants can determine the type of license they want to obtain by first determining what type of marijuana business they want to operate. For example, an applicant that wants to cultivate marijuana has at least four (4) different options depending on whether they want to operate in the adult- or medical-use market and how they want to operate their business:

• Applicants who want to grow and cultivate adult-use marijuana may apply for one of three (3) ME licenses: Marijuana Cultivation license, Craft Marijuana Cooperative license, or Microbusiness license. Further information about each license type is available below.

• Applicants who want to assist registered patients with medical marijuana can obtain an MTC license, which will allow them to cultivate, produce, dispense, and deliver marijuana to registered patients and their caregivers.

Each type of business license permits only certain operations within the cannabis industry. To determine the license type best suited to your intended business, speak to our Massachusetts cannabis consultants for guidance before applying for a Massachusetts cannabis license.

Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC)
A Medical Marijuana Treatment Center, commonly referred to as an MTC, is an entity licensed under the medical regulations. An MTC acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes, transports, sells, distributes, delivers, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing cannabis or marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers for medical use. This license type is commonly referred to as a vertically integrated license as it allows and requires the licensee to perform all associated operations. MTCs may deliver marijuana and marijuana products directly to patients and caregivers after receiving Commission approval.

Marijuana Cultivator
A Marijuana Cultivator may cultivate, process, and package marijuana, to transfer marijuana to other MEs, but not to consumers. Cultivators must select what tier they will be in by determining the total canopy they will cultivate. Canopy is an area calculated in square feet and measured using clearly identifiable boundaries of all areas(s) that will contain flowering and/or vegetative plants that are larger than eight (8) inches tall and eight (8) inches wide at any point in time. The available tiers include the
following:

Tier	Canopy Size Allowed
1	Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
2	5,001 – 10,000 sq. ft.
3	10,001 to 20,000 sq. ft.
4	20,001 to 30,000 sq. ft.
5	30,001 to 40,000 sq. ft.
6	40,001 to 50,000 sq. ft.
7	50,001 to 60,000 sq. ft.
8	60,001 to 70,000 sq. ft.
9	70,001 to 80,000 sq. ft.
10	80,001 to 90,000 sq. ft.
11	90,001 to 100,000 sq. ft.

A Marijuana Cultivator may submit an application to change the tier in which it is classified. Once provisionally licensed, a licensee may voluntarily relegate its tier. However, if a licensee requests to expand their tier, they must demonstrate that while operating at the top of its tier it has sold 85% of its product consistently over the preceding six (6) months. Therefore, an applicant should ensure that the tier it chooses is appropriate until able to demonstrate this requirement because it may not be able to expand until at least six (6) months after receiving a commence operations notice. In connection with the renewal of a Marijuana Cultivator license, the Commission will review the records of the licensee and may reduce the licensee’s tier if the licensee sold less than 70% of what it
produced during the six (6) months prior to the renewal application (indoor cultivators) or during the harvest season prior to the application for renewal (outdoor cultivators). Some factors that the Commission may consider in reducing a Marijuana Cultivator’s tier include the following:

• Cultivation and production history, including any catastrophic events that may have occurred;
• Transfer, sales, and excise tax payment history;
• Existing inventory and inventory history;
• Sales contracts; and
• Any other factors relevant to ensuring responsible cultivation, production, and inventory management.

Craft Marijuana Cooperative
A Craft Marijuana Cooperative is a type of Marijuana Cultivator which may cultivate, obtain, manufacture, process, package, and brand marijuana and marijuana products to transport marijuana to MEs, but not to consumers.
A Craft Marijuana Cooperative is not limited to a particular number of cultivation locations, but is limited to a total canopy of 100,000 square feet and three (3) locations for activities authorized for Marijuana Product Manufacturers. A Craft Marijuana Cooperative must operate according to the seven cooperative principles published by the International Cooperative Alliance in 1995.

Marijuana Product Manufacturer
A Marijuana Product Manufacturer is an entity authorized to obtain, manufacture, process, and package marijuana and marijuana products, to transport marijuana and marijuana products to MEs, and to transfer marijuana and marijuana products to other MEs, but not to consumers.

Marijuana Retailer
A Marijuana Retailer is an entity authorized to purchase, repackage, white label, and transport marijuana or marijuana products from MEs, and to sell, repackage or otherwise transfer marijuana and marijuana products to other MEs and to sell to consumers.
A Marijuana Retailer provides a retail location which may be accessed by consumers 21 years of age or older or, if the retailer is colocated with an MTC, by individuals who are also registered qualifying patients or personal caregivers. Unless also licensed separately as a Social Consumption Establishment, marijuana shall not be consumed on the premises.

Existing Licensee Transporter
An ME that is otherwise licensed by the Commission and also licensed to purchase, obtain, and possess Marijuana or Marijuana Products solely for the purpose of transporting, temporary storage, sale and distribution on behalf of other MEs or MTCs to other establishments, but not to consumers.

Third-Party Transporter
A Marijuana Transporter is an entity that may only transport marijuana or marijuana products and does not hold another ME license and is not licensed as an MTC. A Third-party Transporter is permitted to transport marijuana and marijuana products between MEs and between MTCs.

Marijuana Research Facility
A Marijuana Research Facility licensee or Research Licensee is an academic institution, non-profit corporation, domestic corporation, or entity authorized to do business in Massachusetts. A Marijuana Research Facility may cultivate, purchase, or otherwise acquire marijuana for the purpose of conducting research regarding marijuana and marijuana products if the licensee possesses such a license (such as Marijuana Cultivator, Marijuana Product Manufacturer, Marijuana Retailer, a Microbusiness or a Craft Marijuana Cooperative license) to do so or is allowed to do so through an approved Research Permit if the cultivation or product manufacturing process is the subject of its research.

All Marijuana Research Facility licensees are required to obtain a Research Permit for each individual research projects. Research Permits are certificates indicating approval from the Commission to conduct a specific research project over a specified and finite period of time. A separate application and application requirements apply to each Research Permit.

Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL)
An Independent Testing Laboratory, commonly referred to as an ITL, is an entity that does not hold any other type of ME/MTC license and is properly accredited to perform tests in compliance with the stringent requirements of the Commission’s protocols for testing marijuana and marijuana products. Licensed ITLs may test marijuana and marijuana products in the adult- and medical- use markets. ITLs shall be accredited to the most current International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 by a third-party accrediting body that is a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement prior to final licensure. Additionally, ITLs, and the individuals and entities associated with it, shall be independent financially from any licensed MTC or ME.

Standards Testing Laboratory
A Standards Testing Laboratory is an entity that would otherwise qualify to be an Independent Testing Laboratory, but instead performs blind tests to verify the results of an Independent Testing Laboratory at the request of the Commission.

Microbusiness
A Microbusiness is a colocated Tier 1 Marijuana Cultivator, and/or Marijuana Product Manufacturer limited to purchase 2,000 pounds of marijuana from other MEs in one (1) year. A Microbusiness licensee may not be a Person or Entity Having Direct or Indirect Control for any other ME except a Social Consumption Establishment. A majority of the Microbusiness’ executives or members must have been residents of Massachusetts for no less than 12 months prior to application.

Microbusiness may apply for a Delivery Endorsement which would allow the licensee to sell and deliver marijuana or marijuana products produced at its licensed location directly to consumers.

Marijuana Courier Licensee
A Marijuana Courier licensee may deliver marijuana or marijuana products directly to consumers of patients at a residential address from a Marijuana Retailer or Medical Marijuana Treatment Center with which the Marijuana Courier has a delivery agreement. A delivery agreement sets forth the business terms of their agreement, as well as procedures for pre-verification of consumers receiving deliveries. A Marijuana Courier is not a retailer and shall not have a retail location accessible to the public unless they are also licensed as a Marijuana Retailer. Deliveries of marijuana or marijuana products are limited to the following:

• municipality of the Marijuana Courier’s place of business;
• municipalities that allow for the operation of Marijuana Retailers; and
• municipalities that opt-in (i.e., any municipality which, after receiving notice from the Commission, has notified the Commission that delivery may operate within its borders) to delivery.

A Marijuana Courier license shall be limited on an exclusive basis to businesses controlled by and with majority ownership comprised of Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants and/or Social Equity Program Participants for a period of at least 36 months from the date the first Marijuana Delivery Operator receives a notice to commence operations.

Please note that the Commission will be collecting data and information over this period. The Commission will evaluate whether the goals of this initiative were met and, if not, may further extend the exclusivity period.

Marijuana Delivery Operator Licensee
A Marijuana Delivery Operator may purchase at wholesale and warehouse finished marijuana or marijuana products acquired from a Marijuana Cultivator, Marijuana Product Manufacturer, Microbusiness or Craft Marijuana Cooperative, and sell and deliver directly to consumers. A Marijuana Delivery Operator Licensee is not considered to be a Retailer under the Commission’s regulations but is responsible for complying with all applicable Department of Revenue requirements for retail sales. A Marijuana Delivery Operator licensee shall be limited on an exclusive basis to businesses controlled by and with majority ownership comprised of Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants and/or Social Equity Program Participants for a period of at least 36 months from the date the first Marijuana Delivery Operator receives a notice to commence operations.

Social Consumption Establishment
Social Consumption Establishment means an entity licensed to sell marijuana or marijuana products and allow consumers to consume marijuana or marijuana products solely on its premises. Social Consumption Establishment licenses are limited on an exclusive basis to businesses controlled by and with majority ownership comprised of Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants or Social Equity Program Participants, Microbusinesses, and Craft Marijuana Cooperatives for a period of at least 36 months from the date the first Social Consumption Establishment receives a notice to commence operations.

Delivery Endorsement
In addition to the license types discussed above, the Commission may approve Delivery Endorsements to qualifying MEs. A Delivery Endorsement authorizes the licensee to sell and deliver marijuana and marijuana products directly from the licensee’s licensed establishment to consumers. This endorsement is currently available to MEs that are licensed as Microbusinesses and controlled by and with majority ownership comprised of Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants and/or Social Equity Program Participants for a period of at least 36 months from the date the first Marijuana Delivery Operator receives a notice to commence operations.

Limits on Licenses and Endorsements
As discussed previously, all license types have limits on the number of licenses an individual or entity can possess. Additional restrictions may apply to certain license types.

Massachusetts Cannabis Application, License, and License Change Fees

Applicants and licensees shall be charged fees for various activities, some of which include the following:

• An application fee when applying for a license;
• A license fee when approved for a provisional license;
• A fee for an Architectural Review Request;
• The annual license fee when renewing a license;
• When requesting a change of location, name, ownership/control, or building or renovating an existing structure;
• When applying to be a Preapproved Court Appointee; and
• When seeking preapproval for packaging and labeling.

For a complete breakdown of fees based on your Massachusetts cannabis license & business type, contact our Massachusetts cannabis consulting team for expected total costs.

Adult-Use Fees

The fees for adult-use applications and licenses are as follows:

License Types	Application Fees (Indoor/Outdoor)	Annual License Fee (Indoor/Outdoor)
Marijuana Cultivator (Indoor or Outdoor) Tier 1: up to 5,000 square feet Tier 2: 5,001 to 10,000 sq. ft. Tier 3: 10,001 to 20,000 sq. ft. Tier 4: 20,001 to 30,000 sq. ft. Tier 5: 30,001 to 40,000 sq. ft. Tier 6: 40,001 to 50,000 sq. ft. Tier 7: 50,001 to 60,000 sq. ft. Tier 8: 60,001 to 70,000 sq. ft. Tier 9: 70,001 to 80,000 sq. ft. Tier 10: 80,001 to 90,000 sq. ft. Tier 11: 90,001 to 100,000 sq. ft.	$200 (I)/$100 (O) $400 (I)/$200 (O) $600 (I)/$300 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O) $2,000 (I)/$1,500 (O)	$1,250 (I)/$625 (O) $2,500 (I)/$1,250 (O) $5,000 (I)/$2,500 (O) $20,000 (I)/$10,000 (O) $22,500 (I)/$11,250 (O) $25,000 (I)/$12,500 (O) $30,000 (I)/$15,000 (O) $35,000 (I)/$17,500 (O) $40,000 (I)/$20,000 (O) $45,000 (I)/$22,500 (O) $50,000 (I)/$25,000 (O)
Craft Marijuana Cooperative	Total fees for its Canopy. If more than six locations, add $200 (I)/$100(O) per additional location.	Total fees for its Canopy. If more than six locations, add $1,250(I)/$625(O) per additional location.
Marijuana Product Manufacturing	$1,500	$10,000
Marijuana Microbusiness	$0	50% of all applicable license fees
Independent Testing Laboratory	$1,500	$10,000
Marijuana Retailer (brick and mortar)	$1,500	$10,000
Social Consumption Establishment	$1,500	$10,000
Marijuana Transporter: Third-party Transporter	$1,500	$5,000
Marijuana Transporter: Existing Licensee	$1,000	$5,000

Transporter
Marijuana Courier	$1,500	$5,000
Marijuana Delivery Operator	$1,500	$10,000
ME with a Delivery Endorsement	$500	$5,000
Marijuana Research Facility	$300	$1,000
Marijuana Research Permit	$1,000	$1,000

Cannabis Application Fee Waivers in Massachusetts

Certain fees are waived automatically for Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants (EE), Social Equity Program Participants (SEP), and Minority-, Women-, and Veteran-owned businesses (DBE) that meet certain eligibility criteria. Please note that for DBEs to receive fee waivers they must already be certified by the Supplier Diversity Office, finished certification, and qualify as a Small Business. A Small Business is defined as an applicant or licensee that (1) has 50 or less full-time employees in all locations that work a combined total of no more than 2,600 hours per quarter and (2) have gross revenues of less than $5 million per year.

For specific questions about waived cannabis application licensing fees in Massachusetts or if you wish to pursue a social equity Massachusetts cannabis license, start by having a conversation with our Massachusetts cannabis consulting team. Book your free consultation today.

Massachusetts Cannabis License Application Submissions

The first step to becoming a licensee is to submit the Massachusetts cannabis license application fee and all three (3) sections of the application in a single application:

• Application of Intent,
• Background Check, and
• Management and Operations Profile.

Each section requires applicants to provide accurate information about the business, individuals and entities associated with the business and to demonstrate an understanding of the Commission’s regulations that are specific to the applicant’s license type, location, and scale.

Schedule a call with our Massachusetts cannabis consulting team for expert guidance and coaching through this process.

Additional Requirements for Certain Cannabis License Types in Massachusetts

Applicants applying for certain license types may need to supply additional documentation, plans, policies, or procedures specific to the requested license type. This information is required in addition to the application requirements mandated for all applicants. For example, applicants applying to become Marijuana Cultivators need to submit an operational plan for the cultivation of marijuana as well all other operational plans, policies, and procedures outlined in the application for licensure.

For guidance on specific additional documentation requirements for your Massachusetts cannabis license application based on your business type, schedule a call with our Massachusetts cannabis consulting team for clarification

Best Practices in Completing a Massachusetts Cannabis License Application

Securing a cannabis license in Massachusetts is a complex process, but with the right strategy and support, success is within reach. From navigating regulations to crafting high-scoring applications, our team at Catalyst BC is here to help you achieve your cannabis business goals.

Contact our Massachusetts cannabis consultants today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward launching your Massachusetts cannabis business.

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