Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Offers Consumer Education For 4/20

The Commission’s 4/20 educational campaign includes a new video illustrating how to read labels found on product packaging, and a flyer that describes the effects of the most common cannabis compounds – like THC, CBD, and CBN – available for sale to adult consumers in Massachusetts, according to a Friday press release.

“April 20 remains the most popular day to buy cannabis in Massachusetts, and so we want to help experienced consumers and newcomers gain a new understanding of the range of cannabis products available for sale,” Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins said. “Through these materials, consumers can make more informed choices while shopping at cannabis retailers in the Commonwealth.” “April is always a highly anticipated month for cannabis consumers in Massachusetts, especially during the 4/20 holiday. Whether a novice consumer or experienced patron, if folks choose to celebrate and partake, it is critically important they do so safely and responsibly,” Commissioner Kimberly Roy said.

The Commission’s new educational materials on cannabis compounds will be available through the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse website alongside other materials like a parents’ guide to marijuana in Massachusetts, a guide to marijuana laws, and a guide to growing and making products at home. Resources ready for digital download are available in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. Licensees can have printed hard copies of rack cards, available in English, shipped to their locations for free.

“4/20 is usually a peak day for our cannabis retailers, and we implore them to use our educational resources to help their customers make informed decisions and understand the safeguards that keep the cannabis supply safe,” Commissioner Nurys Camargo said. “We look forward to celebrating the seventh 4/20 this year since adult-use sales began in Massachusetts – and look forward to keeping it as safe as the previous ones.”

In addition to encouraging licensees to order educational materials and branded MoreAboutMJ.org items, the Commission will also be publishing social media messages to remind Massachusetts residents of ways we can all contribute to a safe holiday.

As of April, 397 Marijuana Retailers, 18 Marijuana Delivery Operators, and 10 Marijuana Couriers had received notices to commence operations in Massachusetts. In total, adult-use Marijuana Establishments have generated $7.36 billion in gross sales since the first two Marijuana Retailers opened in November 2018, including a record-breaking $1.64 billion in 2024.

“The Commission has produced a trove of cannabis educational materials over the years focused on public health and safety, and the new materials available this year highlight some of the most important aspects of consumption,” Commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion said. “For consumers partaking in 4/20 this year, it’s important to take the time to learn about how these products are tested, and what effects they might have.”

All cannabis consumption, especially on April 20, should follow these state laws and practical safety tips:

For those visiting Massachusetts from out of state, remember:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance-use disorder, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is available online at https://helplinema.org/ and by phone at 800-327-5050.

Additional consumer health and safety information is available through MoreAboutMJ.org. Contact the agency by emailing Commission@CCCMass.com or calling 774-415-0200.