{"id":373967,"date":"2018-07-05T11:12:34","date_gmt":"2018-07-05T16:12:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-drug-possession-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-29T12:39:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T17:39:18","slug":"massachusetts-drug-possession-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-drug-possession-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Drug Possession Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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\">Massachusetts Drug Possession Laws<\/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\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 29, 2024\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<p>Possessing illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin in Massachusetts can lead to lengthy prison sentences and thousands of dollars in fines. Misusing legal drugs like Oxycodone or Valium without a valid prescription can also lead to criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article provides an overview of Massachusetts state laws regarding the possession of controlled substances. It begins with an introduction to how Massachusetts classifies controlled substances. A table outlining the state\u2019s drug laws follows. Below the table is a list of resources related to Massachusetts law.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Classification of Controlled Substances<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The federal government and most states classify controlled substances into different schedules. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts classifies its controlled substances into <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-31\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five classes<\/a> to establish criminal offenses. Examples of drugs in each class are as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Class A Substances<\/b>: ketamine and over 70 opiates and opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and GHB<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class B Substances<\/b>: amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, methadone, methamphetamine, and LSD<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class C Substances<\/b>: diazepam (Valium), mescaline, peyote, and psilocybin<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class D Substances<\/b>: barbital, butyl nitrate, and marijuana<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class E Substances<\/b>: compounds and mixtures containing small amounts of codeine and opium (i.e., cough syrups) and any prescription drugs not listed in Classes A through D (e.g., Oxycodone (OxyContin))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In most instances, possessing a Class A substance brings a higher criminal penalty than possessing a Class B substance. Other factors that influence the applicable criminal penalties include the amount of drugs possessed and whether the offender has any prior convictions for drug crimes.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Massachusetts Drug Crimes Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The table below contains information about drug possession charges in Massachusetts. For more information, visit the links in the table or the Related Resources section below.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Massachusetts Drug Possession Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/#!tid=NF9120F32AFA44028B52EB07DBC093E58\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts General Laws, Title 15, Chapter 94C<\/a> (<i>Controlled Substances Act<\/i>):<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32l.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 32L<\/a> (<i>marijuana possession<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-34.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 34<\/a> (<i>controlled substances possession<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Massachusetts Drug Possession Crimes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Possessing a controlled substance with knowledge and intent<\/b> (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-34.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 34<\/a>):<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Possession of heroin<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First offense<\/b>: up to two years of imprisonment in a house of correction and a fine of up to $2,000<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second offense or subsequent offense<\/b>: mandatory minimum sentence of two-and-a-half years in a state prison up to a maximum sentence of five years or a fine of up to $5,000 and up to two-and-a-half years in a house of correction or jail<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Being aware of possessing more than one ounce of marijuana or a Class E substance<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Up to six months in a house of correction and a fine of up to $500<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If the offender violates <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-34.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 34<\/a> and has a prior conviction under Section 24 or a prior felony conviction under Chapter 94:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Up to two years and a fine of up to $2,000<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The court will place someone convicted for the first time under <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-34.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 34<\/a> on probation unless the person convicted does not consent to it or the court files a written memorandum stating the reasons for not doing so.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Massachusetts Possession with Intent to Distribute Crimes and Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Possessing the following controlled substances with the intent to distribute, dispense, or manufacture them risks the following criminal penalties:<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Class A substance<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First offense<\/b>: up to 10 years in state prison or two-and-a-half years in a jail or house of corrections and a fine between $1,000 to $10,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(a)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second or subsequent offense<\/b>: between three-and-a-half years to 15 years in state prison and a fine between $2,500 to $25,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(b)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class A substance to a person under the age of 18<\/b>: Between five to 15 years in state prison and a fine between $1,000 to $25,000.(\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32f\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32F<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Class B substance<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First offense<\/b>: Up to 10 years in state prison or two-and-a-half years in jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $1,000 to $10,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32a\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(A)(a)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second or subsequent offense<\/b>: up to 10 years in state prison and a fine between $2,500 to $25,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32a\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(A)(b)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class B substance to a person under the age of 18<\/b>: between three years to 15 years in state prison and a fine between $1,000 to $25,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32f\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32F<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Class C substance<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First offense<\/b>: up to five years in state prison or two-and-a-half years in a jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $500 to $5,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(B)(a)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second or subsequent offense<\/b>: up to 10 years in state prison or two-and-a-half years in a jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $1,000 to $10,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(B)(b)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Class C substance to a person under the age of 18<\/b>: between two years to 15 years in state prison and a fine between $1,000 to $25,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32f\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32F<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Class D substance<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First offense<\/b>: up to two years in jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $500 to $5,000. (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(C)(a)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second or subsequent offense:<\/b> up to two-and-a-half years in jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $1,000 to $10,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(C)(b)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Class E substance<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First offense<\/b>: up to nine months in jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $250 to $2,500 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32d\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(D)(a)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second or subsequent offense<\/b>: up to one-and-a-half years in jail or a house of corrections and a fine between $500 to $5,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32d\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32(D)(b)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Related Crimes Under Massachusetts Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Possessing or purchasing with the intent to sell drug paraphernalia with the knowledge that a person will use it to plant, cultivate, grow, produce, prepare, store, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce a controlled substance into their body is a crime. Penalties include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32i\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32I<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Anyone who violates \u00a7\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32<\/a>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32i\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32I<\/a> while in, on, or within 300 feet of a school between 5:00 a.m. and midnight or within 100 feet of a public park or playground and who, during the commission of the offense, does any of the following is guilty of a crime:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Used or threatened violence<\/li>\r\n<li>Possessed a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, or another weapon listed in <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-iv-crimes-punishments-and-proceedings-in-criminal-cases-ch-263-280\/ma-gen-laws-ch-269-sect-10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chapter 269 \u00a7 10<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Directed another person to commit a felony<\/li>\r\n<li>Committed or attempted to commit a felony<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Penalties include a mandatory minimum sentence of two-and-a-half years up to 15 years in state prison or imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for at least two but no more than two-and-a-half years, and a fine between $1,000 to $10,000)(\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32j\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32J<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n<p>Causing, inducing, or abetting a person who is under the age of 18 to distribute, dispense, or possess with the intent to distribute or dispense a controlled substance is guilty of a crime with the following penalties:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to 15 years in a state prison and a fine between $1,000 to $100,000 (\u00a7 <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ma\/part-i-administration-of-the-government-ch-1-182\/ma-gen-laws-ch-94c-sect-32k\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">32K<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note<\/b>: Massachusetts state laws change through the state\u2019s legislature, court rulings, and other methods. To confirm the current laws, speak with a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/massachusetts\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Massachusetts drug crime attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/massachusetts\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>criminal defense lawyer<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Massachusetts Drug Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Browse the pages listed below for more information about drug laws in Massachusetts and across the United States:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law.html\">Massachusetts Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-criminal-laws.html\">Massachusetts Criminal Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html#:\">Massachusetts Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-cocaine-laws.html\">Massachusetts Cocaine Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-heroin-laws.html\">Massachusetts Heroin, Opiates, and Opioids Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-trafficking-distribution.html\">Drug Trafficking and Distribution<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-manufacturing-and-cultivation.html\">Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-possession-penalties-and-sentencing.html\">Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-possession-overview.html\">Drug Possession Overview<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-charges.html\">Drug Charges<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/cocaine.html\">State Cocaine Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/heroin.html\">State Heroin Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/marijuana.html\">State Marijuana Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In addition, visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State Codes section<\/a> for information about other states\u2019 drug laws.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Facing Drug Possession Charges in Massachusetts? An Attorney Can Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If the state has charged you with a drug offense, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/massachusetts\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts criminal defense attorney<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/massachusetts\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drug crime lawyer<\/a>. They can provide critical legal advice and represent you throughout your criminal case. Contact one today to get started on your defense strategies and protect your rights.<\/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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1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\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        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\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--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                    <\/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--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-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--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend 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        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Many Massachusetts 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\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/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 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<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Drug possession laws often focus on the amount the accused was carrying and if that could be considered as intent to sell. Learn about Massachusetts&#8217; drug possession laws and more at FindLaw.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":373912,"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":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3047],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-373967","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_22_1"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373967","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=373967"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373967\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/373912"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373967"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=373967"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=373967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}