Springfield becomes first Mass. city to ban the sale of synthetic marijuana

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July 09, 2025

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A continued challenge for authorities in Massachusetts has been unregulated ‘gas station weed,’ and Springfield officials said it’s been a growing problem in the city for years.

These products can be found at convenience stores and bodegas across the state and are similar to what you can buy at a regulated cannabis shop. The city’s health department now plans to stop the sales of these over-the-counter products.

“These products are being sold to mimic legitimate products,” said Helen Caulton-Harris, Commissioner of Springfield Health and Human Services.

Locals cool down from the humidity at Puffer’s Pond

While they look similar to snacks you can grab on the go at a gas station or convenience store, you may not realize that those products contain artificial THC. The Springfield City Council is taking action and has passed an ordinance on June 23, banning the sale of synthetic marijuana products.

Springfield will become the first city in the Commonwealth to ban these types of sales. The city’s Department of Health and Human Services has called this a “critical public health issue.”

“Because it’s unregulated, it’s very difficult to say if our youth have had access to these products,” Caulton-Harris said.

Licensed establishments are permitted to sell marijuana in Springfield, including retailers, medical treatment centers, and product manufacturers. The Department of Health and Human Services is now mailing letters to hundreds of convenience stores, notifying business owners of the ban. Mayor Sarno is among those pushing for fines if unregulated establishments are caught selling these products.

“Three hundred for each piece,” Mayor Sarno said. “You have ten pieces, that’s 3,000. Three ‘Gs.’ You have 100, that’s 30,000 dollars.”

The city’s health commissioner said these products often come in packaging that is appealing to the youth, and at times, they don’t even recognize what they are buying. Springfield officials say that this is a growing concern and that they are doing their part to protect the health of the youth.