Massachusetts
Massachusetts has no statute that makes supplying drugs that cause a death a crime of its own.
Supplying drugs that cause a death
Bills to create one have been filed (for example S.1225 in the 2025-2026 session) without becoming law. A death can still be charged under the general manslaughter law.
Calling for help: the Good Samaritan law
A person who seeks medical help in good faith for someone overdosing, and the person who overdosed, cannot be charged with drug possession or found in violation of probation, pretrial release or parole when the evidence came from seeking help. The law says it does not prevent charges for trafficking, distribution or possession with intent to distribute.
Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94C, § 34A
Whatever the law says, if someone is overdosing, call 911. A life comes first. More on calling 911.
Federal law
Federal law applies in every state. When death or serious bodily injury results from using a Schedule I or II drug that a person distributed, federal law sets a mandatory minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life. Federal prosecutors can bring this charge whatever the state law says. (21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A)-(C))
Cases from Massachusetts in the database sample
4 cases in the published sample of the drug-induced homicide case database were prosecuted in Massachusetts. The database is still being built; the complete version will be published when it is finished.
Sources
About this information
This page describes what the statutes say, as of 7 October 2026. It is not legal advice, and it can’t tell you how a court will apply the law to any particular case. Laws change; check the statute, and please speak to a lawyer in Massachusetts about your own situation.