Several Craigslist postings in Massachusetts have appeared, offering "free" marijuana gifts along with the purchase of empty plastic bags. The listings began appearing after a ballot question was passed allowing people over 21 to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana. The sale of marijuana remains illegal in the state, according to Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan. File Photo by Atomazul/Shutterstock

BOSTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Several Massachusetts Craigslist ads have appeared offering empty bags for sale with an additional gift of "free" marijuana.

One listing offered various sizes of plastic bags ranging in price from $20 to $90 while also advertising various "strains" of dispensary grade marijuana" as "free gifts" along with the purchase.


"I am selling you an empty bag. Marijuana placed in that empty sandwich bag is simply a legal gift," one listing states. "Not connected in anyway, to any sale."

The listings began appearing after a ballot question was approved allowing adults over 21 to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts, although the sale of marijuana is still not permitted in the state.

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan told NEPR the sellers' attempts to circumvent the law by offering the marijuana as gifts are misguided.

"The ads are illegal," he said. "To say an empty baggie costs $350 is ridiculous. I think it's a clear fraud on its face."

Corey Hampton, the person behind one of the Craigslist ads, told NEPR by text his friend checks the IDs of the buyers to ensure they are over 21 in compliance with the law and said it was "a shame" that law enforcement would look to impede the sale of marijuana.

"I just think it's foolish to waste any more of the taxpayers' money on a harmless plant that helps people," he said.