Current State
- 33 states, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have legalized medical marijuana
- 11 states and D.C. have legalized recreational use
- October 2018 Canada legalized marijuana federally, being the first G7 country to do so
- Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled marijuana prohibition unconstitutional, paving the way for federal
legalization - Recent Pew Poll shows that 67% of Americans think all marijuana use should be legalized, 91% support legalizing medical marijuana
- Farm Bill signed in 2018 legalizes hemp production in all 50 states.
- Hemp is made from the cannabis plant, but does not contain THC, the active compound that gets folks high
- Hemp can be used to produce CBD oil which is used medicinally
In Massachusetts
- Currently has 33 recreational marijuana dispensaries, more are being
approved on a rolling basis - Patient or caregiver can have 60 day supply of medical marijuana
- Patients with limited access to dispensary can obtain hardship registration from the Dept of Pub lic Health to cultivate a 60 day supply in their own home
- Recreational Use: 1oz individually, 10oz in your home
- Recreational Grow: 6 plants individually, up to 12 plants for 2+ adults
- Grower can give away up 1oz, but only to adults over 21 years
- Intersection between Federal vs. State law
- HUD prohibition in federally assisted properties
- Owners must deny admission to those illegally using a controlled substance
- Schedule 1 controlled substance
Risks of Marijuana Use: Landlords and HOAs
- Property Damage
Strong skunk-like odors
Growing requires water, heat, intense light which can lead to mold and fire hazards
Insurance claims will claim not to cover damage from federally illegal acts
- Secondhand Smoke
Harmful toxins, carcinogens, irritants
Noxious odor for tenants/children - Federal implications
HUD prohibition and Property seizure
[download Legal Marijuana Update presentation]