Cannabis Control Commission Promotes Access to Free Consumer Education Resources Ahead of April 20 in Massachusetts

WORCESTER—In an effort to ensure Massachusetts residents ages 21 and older are celebrating safely this April 20, a date often recognized by cannabis enthusiasts, the Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) is encouraging licensees and constituents to take advantage of free public education materials available through the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse and the agency’s “More About Marijuana” public education website, MoreAboutMJ.org.

As part of the Commonwealth’s public awareness mandate, the Commission is highlighting these free resources and branded goods that Marijuana Establishments can order and have on hand to distribute to patrons visiting throughout the month of April—and especially on April 20—when a higher volume of foot traffic is expected. Doing so will help ensure consumers have health and safety tips available to them, right at their fingertips, if they partake in celebrations.

“We know an increased number of Massachusetts adults stock up to celebrate cannabis legalization on 4/20,” said Acting Chair Ava Callender Concepcion, the Commission’s public safety appointee. “When they do, we want to make sure that everyone has access to education about what our law allows, and how to navigate the risks.”

“April is always a highly anticipated time for cannabis consumers in Massachusetts, especially during the 4/20 holiday. If consumers choose to celebrate and partake, it is critically important they do so safely and responsibly,” said Commissioner Kimberly Roy, the Commission’s public health appointee. “Whether serving a novice consumer or experienced patron, Massachusetts cannabis retailers should have readily available educational materials for their customers on this celebrated day and every day.”

Through the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse website, several rack cards are available to industry and the general public, including a parents’ guide to marijuana in Massachusetts, a guide to marijuana laws, and a guide to growing and making products at home. Others focus on the Commission’s Social Equity Program, sealing and expungement, and more. All resources are available for immediate, digital download in eight languages, including: English, Cape Verdean Creole, Traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. Printed hard copies of rack cards, available in English, also can be ordered and shipped to licensees’ locations for free.

In addition to encouraging licensees to order educational materials and branded MoreAboutMJ.org items, the Commission will also be publishing social media messages to remind Massachusetts residents of ways we can all contribute to a safe holiday.

As of April, 350 Marijuana Retailers, 11 Marijuana Delivery Operators, and 10 Marijuana Couriers have received the Commission’s notice to commence operations in Massachusetts. In total, adult-use Marijuana Establishments have generated $5.9 billion in gross sales since the first two Marijuana Retailers opened in November 2018, including $331 million in sales to date in 2024 alone.

Any day of the year that adults consume cannabis, but especially on April 20, they are encouraged to heed the following laws and safety tips:

• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume adult-use cannabis in the Commonwealth.
• Giving or selling adult-use cannabis to minors may be treated as a crime.
• Consuming cannabis in a public place is prohibited, as is smoking it any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited.
• If you have marijuana or marijuana products in a household with children or pets, lock them away and keep them out of reach.
• It is illegal to operate a vehicle while using cannabis or while impaired by cannabis. And, like alcohol, you may not have an open container of adult-use cannabis in the passenger area of your car while on the road or at a place where the public has access.
• Especially on April 20, but any time you are at risk of becoming impaired, leave your car at home. Use public transportation or a rideshare service instead of risking your life and others’ lives by driving.
• The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. Start low, go slow.

For those visiting Massachusetts from out of state, remember:

• It is unlawful to carry cannabis across state lines or federal borders.
• You cannot bring marijuana or marijuana products back home with you on a plane or mail it.
• If you are staying at a hotel or rental accommodation, know that many have policies against using cannabis on their property. Check with them before consuming
  on their premises.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance-use disorder, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is available online at https://helplinema.org/ and by phone at 800-327-5050.

Additional consumer health and safety information is available through MoreAboutMJ.org. Contact the agency by emailing Commission@CCCMass.com or calling 774-415-0200.

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