By law, the Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) is required to execute a research agenda to better understand the effects of adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts. The purpose is to assist with science-based policy recommendations especially regarding public health, public safety, and social equity, and inform future decisions that would aid in the closure of the illicit marketplace.

The Cannabis Control Commission is a trusted resource for research on the impact of cannabis legalization, regularly disseminating new insights on the effects of cannabis policies through legislative reports and scientific manuscripts, and presentations at conferences, agencies, and academic institutions.

The Commission serves as a cannabis policy research center of excellence, among the first of its kind to both inform evidence-based policy decisions and add to the scientific literature. The center of excellence brings together legislators, regulators, researchers, and other government agencies to study the implementation and effects of cannabis policies. This multidisciplinary group meets the annual research agenda outlined in G. L. c. 94G, § 17(a) and G. L. c. 94G, § 17 (b), as well as assesses other topics of interest, such as effectiveness in creating a diverse new industry and rectifying harms from marijuana prohibition and enforcement.

Topics on the Commission’s research agenda include, but are not limited to:

  • Patterns of use, methods of consumption, sources of purchase and general perceptions of marijuana among minors, among college and university students and among adults;
  • Incidents of impaired driving, hospitalization and use of other health care services related to marijuana use, including a report of the state of the science around identifying a quantifiable level of marijuana-induced impairment of motor vehicle operation and a report on the financial impacts on the state healthcare system of hospitalizations related to marijuana;
  • Economic and fiscal impacts for state and local governments including the impact of legalization on the production and distribution of marijuana in the illicit market and the costs and benefits to state and local revenue;
  • Ownership and employment trends in the marijuana industry examining participation by racial, ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups, including identification of barriers to participation in the industry;
  • Expansion or contraction of the illicit marketplace and the expansion or contraction of the legal marketplace, including estimates and comparisons of pricing and product availability in both markets;
  • Incidents of discipline in schools, including suspensions or expulsions, resulting from marijuana use or possession of marijuana or marijuana products; and
  • Civil penalties, arrests, prosecutions, incarcerations and sanctions imposed for violations of chapter 94C for possession, distribution or trafficking of marijuana or marijuana products, including the age, race, gender, country of origin, state geographic region and average sanctions of the persons charged.

To view the Commission’s latest research, visit our Public Documents page and select “Reports” under the “Filter Documents” dropdown menu.

Safety Tips

Safety Tip

If marijuana becomes a problem, seek treatment.

Visit the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline or call 800-327-5050. The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Caring, trained Specialists will help you understand the treatment system and your options.

Keep cannabis products locked away, and out of reach of children and pets.

Remember: Getting high could impair your decision-making.

Check in with your doctor if you are using marijuana and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Driving with cannabis in your vehicle? Always keep it in a closed container locked in your glove box or trunk.

Start low and go slow with edibles! They can take one to four hours to take effect.

Always get a ride when using cannabis. Never get behind the wheel.

Only adults 21 or older can purchase, consume, or grow adult-use cannabis.

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