Massachusetts Drug Possession Laws
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 29, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
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.
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’s drug laws follows. Below the table is a list of resources related to Massachusetts law.
Classification of Controlled Substances
The federal government and most states classify controlled substances into different schedules. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts classifies its controlled substances into five classes to establish criminal offenses. Examples of drugs in each class are as follows:
- Class A Substances: ketamine and over 70 opiates and opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and GHB
- Class B Substances: amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, methadone, methamphetamine, and LSD
- Class C Substances: diazepam (Valium), mescaline, peyote, and psilocybin
- Class D Substances: barbital, butyl nitrate, and marijuana
- Class E Substances: 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))
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.
Massachusetts Drug Crimes Overview
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.
Massachusetts Drug Possession Statutes |
Massachusetts General Laws, Title 15, Chapter 94C (Controlled Substances Act):
|
---|---|
Massachusetts Drug Possession Crimes
|
Possessing a controlled substance with knowledge and intent (Section 34):
Possession of heroin:
Being aware of possessing more than one ounce of marijuana or a Class E substance:
If the offender violates Section 34 and has a prior conviction under Section 24 or a prior felony conviction under Chapter 94:
The court will place someone convicted for the first time under Section 34 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. |
Massachusetts Possession with Intent to Distribute Crimes and Penalties |
Possessing the following controlled substances with the intent to distribute, dispense, or manufacture them risks the following criminal penalties: Class A substance:
Class B substance:
Class C substance:
Class D substance:
Class E substance: |
Related Crimes Under Massachusetts Law |
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:
Anyone who violates §§ 32-32I 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:
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)(§ 32J). 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:
|
Note: Massachusetts state laws change through the state’s legislature, court rulings, and other methods. To confirm the current laws, speak with a Massachusetts drug crime attorney or a criminal defense lawyer.
Massachusetts Drug Laws: Related Resources
Browse the pages listed below for more information about drug laws in Massachusetts and across the United States:
- Massachusetts Law
- Massachusetts Criminal Law
- Massachusetts Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
- Massachusetts Cocaine Laws
- Massachusetts Heroin, Opiates, and Opioids Laws
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution
- Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
- Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing
- Drug Possession Overview
- Drug Charges
- State Cocaine Laws
- State Heroin Laws
- State Marijuana Laws
In addition, visit FindLaw’s State Codes section for information about other states’ drug laws.
Facing Drug Possession Charges in Massachusetts? An Attorney Can Help
If the state has charged you with a drug offense, contact a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney or drug crime lawyer. 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.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Massachusetts attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life

Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.