Yes. The first recreational dispensary in New Bedford recently opened in the first quarter of 2023. Subsequently, two other adult-use cannabis retailers opened in the city. Pursuant to Article VIII of Chapter 15 of the New Bedford Code of Ordinance, marijuana dispensaries are allowed to operate in the city.
No. Although Chapter 15 of the New Bedford Code of Ordinances permits the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries, there are currently no medical cannabis dispensaries in the city.
Yes. You can buy cannabis from online weed dispensaries in New Bedford.
It is recommended that you are aware of cannabis regulations in Massachusetts and dispensary laws in New Bedford before visiting a cannabis retailer in the city. When planning to visit a pot shop, you will:
New Bedford dispensaries are required to comply with certain laws. These include:
Recreational cannabis is legal in New Bedford under the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative. Pursuant to the Initiative:
In New Bedford, the possession and use of cannabis for medical purposes is regulated under the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program. The program is established pursuant to Massachusetts’ medical marijuana legalization initiative – Question 3.
In order to qualify for medical marijuana use in the city, an individual must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition and possess written certification from a licensed healthcare practitioner. Patients who wish to access medical cannabis must register with the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program and obtain a medical marijuana card. This card is required to purchase medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
Question 3 stipulates that possession limits for qualified patients are determined by their healthcare practitioners but are limited to a 60-day supply of cannabis. Individuals under 18 who are eligible for medical marijuana use must have a caregiver approved by the state in order to access medical cannabis. Qualified patients or their caregivers are permitted to grow up to 12 flowering and 12 non-flowering cannabis plants. However, patients living in New Bedford who wish to cultivate enough marijuana plants to yield a 60-day supply must apply for a Hardship Cultivation permit.
Medical cannabis can be used in any place where smoking is allowed, including the patient's residence. The sale of cannabis and cannabis products is strictly limited to licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.
Obtaining a medical marijuana card in New Bedford necessitates participation in the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program. To enroll in the program, you must have a qualifying medical condition and secure certification from an approved healthcare practitioner confirming the diagnosis. For minors, two medical cannabis certifications from different healthcare practitioners are required.
To initiate the application process, you must create an account on the state's Virtual Gateway service and visit the Massachusetts Cannabis Portal to submit the required documentation and fee. An alternative method is to call the state's medical marijuana program at (833) 869-6820 to obtain paper forms to begin the application.
During the application process, you must provide a passport-style photograph, the personal identification number issued by the certifying healthcare practitioner, and a valid government-issued ID. After submission, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will review the application, and issue a medical cannabis card upon successful review. For detailed instructions on obtaining a medical marijuana card, refer to the medical marijuana card application instructions guide available on the state's website.
The use of cannabis is restricted to private property. Public consumption of cannabis is prohibited, including in public places, workplaces, or while operating a vehicle.
In New Bedford, cannabis can be obtained by visiting a licensed dispensary. To locate the addresses of licensed dispensaries in the area, one may search online using the term "cannabis dispensaries near me." In order to make a purchase at a dispensary, an individual must possess a valid government-issued identification indicating that they are 21 years of age or older or a valid Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card. Any attempt to purchase cannabis without the required identification may result in legal penalties.
A gram of cannabis in New Bedford costs between $15 and $20.
Some popular cannabis strains in New Bedford are:
Cannabis smoking in public is illegal in New Bedford.
Adults 21 years of age and older are permitted to possess up to 28 grams of cannabis in a public setting and up to 10 ounces at their residence. Additionally, adults are allowed to possess up to 20 servings of cannabis edibles, with a maximum of 100 milligrams of THC per serving. Qualified medical patients are permitted to possess a 60-day supply of cannabis as determined by their healthcare practitioner.
It is against the law to ship cannabis across state lines to or out of New Bedford. Such an act is a violation of federal law.
Yes. You can order cannabis online in New Bedford
There are no 24-hour dispensaries in the City of New Bedford. Per Section 4133B of the New Bedford Code of Ordinances, marijuana dispensaries may not be open to the public after 7:00 p.m. or before 10:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday.
Tourists may use recreational dispensaries in New Bedford but not medical marijuana dispensaries.
To purchase recreational cannabis in Massachusetts, you must have a government-issued ID with your date of birth. If you want to buy medical marijuana, you need to show an ID from the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program and a government-issued ID to prove you are 18 or older.
Ascend, CANA Craft, and Northeast Alternatives are the three weed dispensaries in New Bedford.
Yes. Cannabis dispensaries in New Bedford scan IDs.
Presently, there are three marijuana dispensaries in New Bedford.
No. Credit cards are not accepted. New Bedford dispensaries typically accept cash.
You can visit two or more dispensaries in one day but you can not buy more than the possession limit allowed under Massachusetts law from all of them.
No. New Bedford dispensaries do not allow cannabis buyers to pay using health insurance.
Yes. New Bedford dispensaries and all Massachusetts dispensaries track weed sales and purchases.
To enter a recreational cannabis dispensary in New Bedford, you must be 21 or older. However, if you are 18 and have a medical marijuana card issued in Massachusetts, you can enter a medical marijuana dispensary in New Bedford.
The Cannabis Control Commission regulates cannabis operations in New Bedford. You may contact the CCC at:
Union Station
2 Washington Square
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone 1: (774) 415-0200
Phone 2: (833) 869-6820 (medical marijuana program)
Email: Commission@CCCMass.com
To file a complaint about illegal cannabis operations in New Bedford, you may contact the New Bedford Police Department by calling (508) 991-6300 or the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.