The state of Massachusetts was lucky enough to become the first weed-legal state on the East Coast. While we may have a more mature cannabis market in the Bay State, we are still going through a few growing pains when it comes to Massachusetts cannabis laws. To make sure our customers know what to expect, we will always do our part to keep you in the know. Check out a few of the biggest changes in 2024 and how these changes could affect you as a dispensary customer in MA.

Latest Updates to Massachusetts Cannabis Laws in 2024

Cannabis Testing and Potency Compliance

One of the compliance changes generating the most buzz in MA revolves around something most likely to affect you as a customer: compliance testing. Cannabis has to be tested for potency before hitting the dispensary shelves. That has always been the case. However, some changes to how those final numbers are calculated could mean that the numbers look a little different going forward with THC and TAC (Total Active Cannabinoids).

So, what changed? In March 2024, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission established two big changes. One, testing labs have to calculate total THC with a new figure to adequately account for decarboxylation. This will cause the final THC percentage in flower to drop by as much as 3 to 5 percent.

So, a flower that has always been labeled 30% THC may now only be shown to have 25% THC. The potency level that you have grown to know, however, has not changed; the effects will be what you have always experienced. This is only a change in how that number is calculated. This was done to create a more accurate, reliable potency level for customers.

The second change disallows correcting THC percentages based on moisture. This is a slightly more complex issue based on how labs measure moisture and cannabinoid reduction during potency tests. The main thing to remember is disallowing these corrections can also mean some flower may have a lower THC percentage than before.

Cannabis Beverages and Edibles News

At the end of May 2024, the state of Massachusetts became one of the first in the country to take the matter of edibles and beverages made with hemp-derived extracts into its own hands. While these products are technically legal on a federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill, the language used to form the bill left a loophole wide open for companies. They have been using synthetically produced delta-9 THC created by manipulating CBD (cannabidiol) to make intoxicating products.

This is why the people of MA have been able to walk to their local gas station or corner store and pick up an intoxicating THC beverage or pack of gummies without repercussions. While this sounds good in theory, the hemp market is highly unregulated. Products do not face the same testing requirements or compliance restraints. Therefore, quality and potency can be lacking. In other words, what you see is not always what you get. Products made with hemp-derived THC are often found to be far more potent than advertised or even contain compounds like residual solvents.

Due to the intervention set forth by state legislators, intoxicating edibles and beverages can now only be legally sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries. This may sound like a setback, but it is a truly important step to keep the cannabis market and cannabis consumers as safe as possible by giving them access to quality-made and regulated consumables. By the way, have you tried our Smash Hits Sodas?

Potential Changes to Cannabis Deals

The Massachusetts cannabis laws have always stated that cannabis deals and specials were restricted when it comes to recreational weed. However, these laws have not been at the forefront of their concerns and most dispensaries do offer some kind of deals and discounts. This may change going forward.

As the state reexamines some of its compliance laws, the issue with deals and discounts in adult-use dispensaries has been brought up. While we are not completely sure what changes will look like, there is an expectation that how cannabis is advertised when it comes to dispensary deals may have to change.

While we may not be able to advertise certain deals and discounts at Canna Provisions, rest assured, we will continue to do all we can to give customers the best possible prices. You can also still sign up for the High Rollers Club to get the inside scoop about upcoming price drops.

Canna Provisions Will Always Keep You Up to Date About MA Weed

From compliance changes to product requirements, we are the best dispensary to follow for all the changes to keep you informed. If you have questions about numbers on your favorite flower, what’s in your fave weed drink, or anything else, we’ll be happy to share some insight.