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HD 190

An Act relative to establishing a minimum age of entry for cannabis related events

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 3 co-sponsors

The bill requires all marijuana-related events in Massachusetts to ban attendees under 21, with organizers accountable and a $2,000 penalty for violations.

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Bill Summary · HD 190

Summary of HD 190: An Act relative to establishing a minimum age of entry for cannabis related events

Overview

HD 190 would amend Chapter 94G of the General Laws to require a minimum age of 21 for attendance at marijuana-related events in Massachusetts. The bill applies to events that promote, encourage, educate about, or provide information on marijuana use, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories. It excludes youth-focused prevention or educational programs related to marijuana use. Violations could result in a civil penalty for organizers, with a limited set of protections for organizers who rely on specified forms of identification to verify age.

Key Provisions

  • Minimum age for entry: All marijuana-related events (including promotions, forums, conventions, or conferences) held in the Commonwealth must require attendees to be at least 21 years old.
  • Organizer duties: Event organizers must ensure that attendees are 21+.
  • Exclusions: The age requirement does not apply to marijuana use prevention programs for youth, youth educational programs, or substance misuse programs related to marijuana use.
  • Penalty for noncompliance: An organizer who fails to comply may be fined up to $2,000.
  • Presumption of due care: If an organizer reasonably relies on verification through certain IDs, they are presumed to have complied with the age requirement. This presumption is rebuttable.
    • Acceptable IDs include:
    • Liquor purchase identification card (Ch. 138, §34B)
    • Motor vehicle operator’s license (Ch. 90, §8)
    • Identification card issued under Ch. 90, §8E
    • Valid U.S. passport or a recognized foreign government passport
    • Valid U.S. military identification card

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Organizers of marijuana-related events, forums, conventions, or conferences in Massachusetts.
  • Attendees: Individuals seeking to attend such events must be at least 21.
  • ID providers: Entities issuing the enumerated identification documents (drivers licenses, passports, etc.) that organizers may rely on for age verification.

Enforcement, Penalties, and Compliance

  • The bill creates a civil penalty framework with a maximum fine of $2,000 for violations.
  • A safe harbor provision allows organizers to rely on specific government-issued IDs to demonstrate due care in age verification; this presumption can be challenged.

Timeline and Status

  • Based on the bill text provided, HD 190 was filed and introduced in early 2025 (House Docket No. 156; date shown: 1/7/2025). The provided information does not specify an enacted status or effective date. The bill is categorized as a proposed measure for the 2025-2026 session.

Notes for Readers

  • The proposal focuses on events that promote or educate about cannabis use, not on general consumption rules.
  • Details such as effective date, transition provisions, or downstream regulatory impacts would emerge if the bill advances through committee and floor debate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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