{"id":286779,"date":"2019-10-17T10:12:10","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T15:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-massachusetts.html"},"modified":"2023-09-29T18:56:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T23:56:07","slug":"how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-massachusetts.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Cannabis Business in Massachusetts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How to Open a Cannabis Business in Massachusetts<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 29, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Opening a cannabis business in Massachusetts has unique opportunities and challenges, given the state&#8217;s progressive stance on cannabis legalization and regulatory framework. Entrepreneurs in this industry must be able to navigate state laws, licensing requirements, and compliance standards.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In 2016, Massachusetts became the first state on the east coast to legalize recreational marijuana businesses. Until then, Massachusetts only allowed medical marijuana from nonprofit dispensaries known as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/dispensaries-of-the-medical-use-of-marijuana-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Registered Marijuana Dispensaries<\/a>&nbsp;(RMD). Now, the Massachusetts cannabis market is ripe with recreational use marijuana business opportunities.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you want to&nbsp;start a Massachusetts business in the cannabis industry, you have options. You can:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Become a marijuana cultivator and grow marijuana products<\/li>\r\n<li>Open a recreational cannabis retail store or microbusiness<\/li>\r\n<li>Apply to be an RMD<\/li>\r\n<li>Run a marijuana lab with testing capabilities<br>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Massachusetts&#8217; cannabis laws carefully regulate all types of marijuana establishments. The application process for a cannabis business is open to entrepreneurs looking to create a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/setting-up-a-marijuana-business-the-basics.html\">compliant business plan<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article will guide you through what you need to know to start a cannabis business or marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts. Find licensing requirements, links to state statutes, and more.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Massachusetts Cannabis Business Laws to Know<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/masscannabiscontrol.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission<\/a>&nbsp;(the \u201cCCC&quot; or \u201cCommission&quot;) regulates the Massachusetts marijuana industry and all cannabis licenses in the state. The table below outlines the ordinances, regulations, and laws you must know before opening a cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><td><p>Marijuana Laws<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Important Massachusetts cannabis laws include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/malegislature.gov\/Laws\/GeneralLaws\/PartI\/TitleXV\/Chapter94G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative<\/a>&nbsp;created a medical marijuana program and medical marijuana treatment centers (MTCs) for qualifying patients<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/regulations\/935-CMR-50000-adult-use-of-marijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 935 CMR 500.00<\/a>&nbsp;covers adult use of marijuana<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/regulations\/935-CMR-50100-medical-use-of-marijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 935 CMR 501.00<\/a>&nbsp;covers medical marijuana use<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/doc\/935-cmr-502000-colocated-adult-use-and-medical-use-marijuana-operations\/download#:~:text=Colocated%20Marijuana%20Operations%20%28CMO%29%20means%20an%20entity%20operating,Adult%20Use%20of%20Marijuana%2C%20on%20the%20same%20premise.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 935 CMR 502.00<\/a>&nbsp;covers marijuana operations<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/malegislature.gov\/Laws\/GeneralLaws\/PartI\/TitleXV\/Chapter94I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">M.G.L. c. 94I, Medical Use of Marijuana<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/malegislature.gov\/Laws\/GeneralLaws\/PartI\/TitleXV\/Chapter94G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">M.G.L. c. 94G, Regulation of the Use and Distribution of Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/masscannabiscontrol.com\/equity\/socialequityprogram\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Equity Program<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Customer Regulations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Customers must be&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/masscannabiscontrol.com\/know-the-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18 years or older for medical use.<\/a>&nbsp;If the customer is under 18, then two Massachusetts physicians must confirm the need<\/li>\r\n<li>Customers must be 21 years or older for recreational use<\/li>\r\n<li>Customers must have a government-issued current ID or passport<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical sales for medical marijuana require a state-issued patient permit<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Marijuana Sale Regulations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>The state requires cannabis businesses to track all cannabis sales. There are also limits on the number of marijuana products a retail dispensary can sell to a customer in one day:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>One ounce of cannabis \u2013 customers can only purchase one ounce a day from a store<\/li>\r\n<li>5 grams of concentrate<\/li>\r\n<li>Six plants \u2013 customers can have up to six plants per person at home. Customers can only purchase six plants at a time and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/masscannabiscontrol.com\/home-cultivation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cannot exceed twelve plants for two or more individuals in one home<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Customers cannot smoke or eat any cannabis products in the dispensary unless the business also has a Social Consumption license and permit. There are no limits on how often you visit the same dispensary in one day, so long as you do not purchase more than the prohibited amounts in one day.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Permits and Licensing<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Before filing a license application, you should check with your local jurisdiction or municipality to make sure you can run a cannabis business in the location chosen.<\/p>\r\n<p>Next, you submit your cannabis dispensary license application via the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.massciportal.com\/login-register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal<\/a>&nbsp;(MassCIP). The Commission runs MassCIP. The following license types require annual renewal.<\/p>\r\n<p>Within 90 days of submitting your license application, you will either receive a provisional license or a rejection. If approved, you pay a one-time application fee. If denied, you pay the fee again to reapply.<\/p>\r\n<p>Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD):<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Application fee: $1,500<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Annual license fee: $10,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Retail Stores and Dispensaries:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Application fee: $1,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Marijuana retailer license: $10,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Social Consumption Establishment:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Application fee: $1,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Marijuana retailer license: $10,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Cultivation Businesses:&nbsp;The application and license fees depend on the size of the facility and whether it is indoor or outdoor. The Commission provides&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/masscannabiscontrol.com\/license-fees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a list of these fees<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Marijuana Product Manufacturer:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Application fee: $1,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Annual license fee: $10,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMedical Marijuana Treatment Center:<ul>\r\n<li>Application fee: $3,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Annual license fee: $50,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nDelivery-Only:<ul>\r\n<li>Application fee: $1,500<\/li>\r\n<li>Annual license fee: $10,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Taxes<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Register with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/marijuana-retail-taxes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MassTaxConnect<\/a>&nbsp;to file tax returns and pay taxes on the sale of adult-use marijuana.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Local Market Competition<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Dispensaries are opening quickly in Massachusetts. The state government can cap the number of new licenses at any time. Move quickly to create your business before the government pauses the application process. You may also consider home delivery of medicinal marijuana products to give your business an edge.<\/p>\r\n<p>Dispensaries can be very profitable once they are up and running. Estimates show&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com\/open-dispensary-massachusetts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">most dispensaries make upwards of $50,000<\/a>&nbsp;and can have profits in the millions over time.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can see the number of local dispensaries by county on the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mass-cannabis-control.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/07_30_19-County-Map-1200x630.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannabis Control Commission map.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Cost to Open a Dispensary in Massachusetts<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Cannabis startup costs will vary according to location. With a commercial lease agreement, employee costs, and licensing fees, expect to need hundreds of thousands of dollars at a minimum. Some cannabis businesses have startup costs in the millions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Transporting Marijuana Across State Lines<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Whether you can legally transport marijuana across state lines depends on the state. Massachusetts does not recommend traveling across state lines with Massachusetts-purchased cannabis. See FindLaw&#8217;s article&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/transporting-marijuana-laws-and-regulations.html\">Transporting Marijuana: Laws and Regulations<\/a>&nbsp;for more information.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Advertising Regulations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Cannabis marketing cannot \u201cjeopardize public health.&quot; This means no marketing or sample programs near minors or child-related businesses.<\/li>\r\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mass-cannabis-control.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannabis Control Commission<\/a>&nbsp;(CCC) allows the use of company brands and logos on marijuana products.<\/li>\r\n<li>Packaging and signs cannot use medical symbols, images of marijuana, or marijuana-related items.<\/li>\r\n<li>Cannabis businesses cannot use slang or everyday terms for marijuana, such as weed.<\/li>\r\n<li>Displays for marijuana products must be clear.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Packaging and Label Regulations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Massachusetts has many&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/marijuanastatelaws.org\/2021\/05\/massachusetts-cannabis-packaging-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nuanced packaging and labeling laws<\/a>&nbsp;for cannabis products. CCC regulations include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Required warnings about impairment, habit-forming risks, driving or operating machinery, and risks involving use while pregnant<\/li>\r\n<li>The 21-year-old age limit must be on all marijuana products<\/li>\r\n<li>Must have child-resistant packaging<\/li>\r\n<li>Cannot have packaging that appeals to minors<\/li>\r\n<li>Packaging must indicate the number of servings within it<\/li>\r\n<li>Must list a statement that the product is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p>Government Agencies and Cannabis Organizations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mass-cannabis-control.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannabis Control Commission<\/a>&nbsp;(CCC) \u2013 recreational marijuana regulations<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/orgs\/bureau-of-health-care-safety-and-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality<\/a>&nbsp;(BHCSQ) \u2013 medical marijuana regulations and programs<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/mass.gov\/MedicalMarijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medical Use Marijuana Program<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i>Note: While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2>What are the Steps Needed to Open a Dispensary?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Follow the steps below to prepare for the application process:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Understand the laws and regulations for your county or city<\/li>\r\n<li>Create a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-dispensary-business-plan-example.html\">business plan<\/a>&nbsp;for your cannabis business<\/li>\r\n<li>Seek finances and investors for your company \u2013 this is often heavily regulated<\/li>\r\n<li>Determine company partners<\/li>\r\n<li>Determine company structure<\/li>\r\n<li>Apply for proper licenses and registration<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/how-to\/apply-for-a-registered-marijuana-dispensary-rmd-certificate-of-registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply for an RMD registration<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Learn more about the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/files\/documents\/2019\/01\/21\/RMD%20Application%20Overview.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full RMD application process<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>Pay for license fees and background checks<\/li>\r\n<li>Select the building or location<\/li>\r\n<li>Hire your operations team and employees \u2013 everyone must pass a background check<\/li>\r\n<li>Contract with cultivators or manufacturers for products, or apply for a license to grow them yourself<\/li>\r\n<li>Open your doors to the public<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This process is lengthy and requires nuanced documentation and steps along the way.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">An attorney<\/a>&nbsp;can help you avoid common mistakes and get your dispensary doors opened as soon as possible.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Related Resources: Massachusetts Marijuana Laws<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-marijuana-laws.html\">Massachusetts Marijuana Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/details-on-state-marijuana-laws.html\">State Marijuana Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Learn About Marijuana Dispensary Compliance<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/setting-up-a-marijuana-business-the-basics.html\">Setting Up a Marijuana Business: The Basics<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html\/\">Marijuana Business Licenses, Permits, and Planning<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Find a Business Attorney to Review Your Cannabis Business Plan<\/h2>\r\n<p>If you are unsure which marijuana business is right for you or have compliance questions about the process, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business attorney&nbsp;<\/a>may be the right solution for you. A local attorney can advise you as you work to open your dispensary doors.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path 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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            <p>Cannabis is a complex area of law. Start by learning what you need to form and operate a cannabis business:<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business.html\">Starting your cannabis business<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/Federal-and-State-Marijuana-Laws-and-Your-Pot-Business.html\">Federal and state cannabis laws<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\">The medical cannabis industry<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Then, protect your rights by calling a business lawyer familiar with cannabis laws. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL0815\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html\">\n                        Cannabis Licensing, Permits, and Planning\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\">\n                        Medical Marijuana Laws by State\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-investment-legal-information-about-marijuana-stocks.html\">\n                        Investing in Cannabis\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannabis Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Defense Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business and Commercial Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h3 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    DIY Forms for Cannabis Business\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Restrictive federal laws and ever-changing state laws make the marijuana industry a dynamic environment for cannabis business owners. Before you open a cannabis business, make sure it is legal in your state, and follow your state laws. Once you decide on an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp business, you can register your business entity online using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" title=\"DIY business formation forms\">DIY business formation forms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw shares how to open a cannabis business or marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts. Learn about cultivation licenses, state regulations, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":286770,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2725],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-286779","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-cannabis-law"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=286779"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399432,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286779\/revisions\/399432"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=286779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=286779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=286779"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=286779"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=286779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}