Does Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend Apply to Cannabis?
Every August, Massachusetts holds a sales tax holiday, allowing shoppers to buy certain items without paying the usual state sales tax. It's a great time to save on big-ticket items like appliances and electronics—but don’t expect those savings to apply to cannabis.
Cannabis Is Not Included in the Tax-Free Weekend
Massachusetts law excludes cannabis and cannabis products from the tax-free weekend. This means:
Cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals remain fully taxable
Recreational and medical cannabis are both not eligible for sales tax exemptions
All usual state and local cannabis taxes still apply
Even though many other retail items are exempt during this weekend, dispensaries must continue to charge taxes as usual.
What Is Covered by the Tax-Free Weekend?
The tax-free weekend generally applies to:
Retail items priced under $2,500
Personal purchases (not for business use)
Examples include clothing, school supplies, computers, and household goods. Cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and motor vehicles are all excluded by law.
Why Cannabis Is Still Taxed
Cannabis is heavily regulated and taxed in Massachusetts. The state uses cannabis tax revenue to fund:
Public health and education
Cannabis industry oversight
Local municipalities that host dispensaries
Allowing cannabis to go untaxed, even for a single weekend, would contradict the purpose of these policies and reduce funding for critical programs.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning a trip to the dispensary during Massachusetts’ tax-free weekend, don’t expect a discount. Cannabis is not part of the tax holiday and will still be taxed at the full rate. So while you can save on laptops and sneakers that weekend, your cannabis purchases won't be any cheaper. Reach out to Dimov Associates today for expert guidance on cannabis tax rules.
