Massachusetts is among the states in the United States where marijuana is lawfully used for both recreational and medical purposes. Any permanent resident of Massachusetts who is at least 21 years old and has a valid ID from the state is permitted to possess and consume cannabis for recreational purposes. On the other hand, Massachusetts’ medical marijuana program is overseen by the Cannabis Control Commission. Patients who meet the program’s qualifying medical conditions are permitted to possess, consume, and grow medical cannabis as needed.
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The cost of medical marijuana that is supplied to qualified patients varies among Massachusetts’s dispensaries. The grade and strain of cannabis used in the finished product affect the price of marijuana in addition to location. For example, in Massachusetts, one ounce of premium marijuana typically costs $341, whereas the same amount of medium-quality marijuana costs $282.
No. Dispensaries are hesitant to take credit cards as payment since the big US banks and credit card firms are prohibiting transactions related to marijuana. Dispensaries across the country will likely take credit card payments until marijuana is legalized on a federal level. However, Massachusetts residents who need medical cannabis can pay with cash for their prescriptions. Debit cards and certain mobile app payments are also accepted at certain dispensaries.
No, sales of medical marijuana are not subject to state taxation in Massachusetts. On the other hand, a medical cannabis dispensary or treatment center may be required to pay community impact fees to the town or city in Massachusetts where it is situated. This charge cannot be delayed for more than five years and cannot exceed three percent of the dispensary’s gross sales.
Massachusetts charges several taxes on the sale of cannabis for recreational use, but it does not apply tax on sales of medical marijuana. As a result, medical cannabis will probably be less expensive in the state than recreational marijuana. All cannabis that is transferred to a retailer is subject to a 10.74% excise tax in Massachusetts, and all cannabis sold at retail is subject to a 6.25% regular sales tax. Retail marijuana stores may additionally choose to pay a 3% optional municipal tax to the town or city where they are situated. The community impact tax is an additional local tax that may be imposed on marijuana companies in Massachusetts for recreational use.
Massachusetts does not have a policy of providing any patient group with discounted medical cannabis, even if it does have a marijuana equity program to assist individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to join its cannabis program. However, by cultivating their marijuana at home, people can save money on their prescription costs. For personal use, registered patients in Massachusetts are permitted to grow up to 12 flowering and 12 vegetative cannabis plants at home.
By taking advantage of promotional specials at local dispensaries, patients can also reduce the cost of medical marijuana. The majority of dispensaries reward loyal customers with loyalty programs and occasionally hold sales events. When a patient visits a dispensary that doesn’t often give discounts, they might check other nearby dispensaries to compare costs and product options and find the best deals.
Purchasing medical marijuana in bulk as opposed to smaller orders might also result in cost savings. You can avoid making many journeys to the dispensary and take advantage of the savings associated with buying in bulk by purchasing up to the maximum amount permitted. Making the switch to more affordable marijuana product forms, including edibles, is another method to minimize costs. Edible cannabis products may provide greater relief than smokable cannabis for certain diseases, such as chronic pain and insomnia.