How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts

Medical marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts in 2012, while recreational use was legalized in 2016. However, both are regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission. Although recreational marijuana is legal to anyone above 21 years old, being a medical cardholder presents several perks, such as tax exemption, possession allowance, cultivation privilege, and availability even to persons under 18.

The whole process can be done online, and no registration fees are required at the state level.

The Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MUMMP) is run by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), which manages patient registration, caregiver registration, and dispensing centers called Medical Treatment Centers (MTCs).

• Phone Number: (833) 869-6820
• Online patient portal: masscannabiscontrol.com 
• Online Application: Medical Use of Marijuana Online System

Before beginning the process of filling out an application form, there are some prerequisites that you will have to meet first:

• Age: You should at least 18 years old. Individuals under this age group will still be able to apply for medicinal marijuana if a parent or legal guardian consents to it.
• Residency: One must be a registered resident of Arizona.
• Medical conditions: You must have a medical condition that is recognized by a physician practicing in Arizona.

To become a registered patient in Massachusetts, an individual will need to be:

• A resident of Massachusetts
• Age 18 years old or over (with special requirements for minors)
• Have a certified qualifying condition, issued by a registered healthcare provider through CCC

Massachusetts does not have any felony prohibitions for its medical marijuana program.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Massachusetts recognizes a defined list of qualifying conditions, plus a broad catch-all provision for other debilitating conditions at the physician’s discretion:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Any other debilitating condition – including those causing cachexia, wasting syndrome, intractable pain, severe nausea, or symptoms that substantially limit major life activities, as determined by the certifying physician
  

This provision allows physicians to certify patients for conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and severe anxiety, provided benefits outweigh risks.

Who Can Certify Patients?

Only registered CCC physicians can provide certification to patients. It is required that there is a genuine provider-patient relationship, and not just one meeting for the discussion of marijuana use. Telemedicine services are accepted, and the certification is automatically entered into the CCC database.

Step 1: Get Certified by a CCC-Registered Provider

Book an appointment with a Massachusetts healthcare professional licensed by CCC. Virtual consultations are allowed. In the course of the appointment, your healthcare provider will:

• Evaluate your health history and qualifying medical condition
• Determine if the advantages of using medical marijuana exceed the associated disadvantages
• Certify you online via the CCC Portal (if eligible)

After certification, your doctor will give you a Program ID and PIN and possibly a Temporary Registration Card that will work at all MTCs.

Step 2: Register With the CCC Online

Enter CCC’s Medical Use of Marijuana Online Registration using your Program ID and Personal Identification Number. To complete the registration process, upload the following documents:

• Government-issued identification card – driver’s license or state ID, military ID, or U.S. passport
• Proof of residence in Massachusetts – any recent utility bill or bank statement
• Passport-sized photograph
• If you have chosen to designate a caregiver, submit their information

Applications can be submitted both through mail and online; however, the online process is quicker.

Step 3: Initial Access – Purchase Right Away

When you become certified, you have Initial Access to purchase during those 14 days at any MTC pending certification card processing.

Step 4: Receive Your Registration Card

The CCC will mail out your certification card 7-14 days from when your application was submitted. Your certification card is valid for one year. Renewal should be done annually. There are no state fees, but a $10 fee if your certification card is lost or damaged.

Present your CCC registration card and a valid photo ID at any licensed MTC to make purchases.

Possession Limits

A medical patient can have 10 ounces, which is sufficient for 60 days. This is way above what recreational users are allowed, which is just 1 ounce when out in public.

Home Cultivation (Hardship Registration)

There is also a registration program for hardship cultivation in Massachusetts. Patients who face financial hardships, lack transportation, or live far from an MTC are eligible. A qualified patient is allowed to cultivate six mature cannabis plants in an enclosed and locked environment.

Benefits Over Recreational Access

A medical card has several benefits:

• Tax-free – medical marijuana is not subject to the 20% state and local tax on marijuana excise 
• Possession limit – you can possess 10 ounces of medical marijuana, compared to 1 ounce for recreational use 
• Cultivation rights via the Hardship Registration 
• Age requirement – recreational marijuana requires that you be at least 21 years old 
• Designate caregivers – you can name up to two people who will buy marijuana for you 
• Protection from workplace discrimination

Patients aged 21 or older may appoint up to two caregivers who have to be at least 21 years old, must be registered yearly with the CCC, and cannot be the certifying doctor for that patient. A caregiver is allowed to help no more than five patients and can handle purchasing, transporting, preparing, and administering marijuana for his/her patients.

For minors under 18, there are specific conditions for qualification for this program, which are a life-limiting condition, certification by two CCC-certified physicians (at least one of whom must be either a pediatrician or a specialist in this field), and appointment of a parent or guardian as a caregiver.

Visiting patients cannot buy at Massachusetts MTCs with a card from another state since Massachusetts does not recognize other states’ programs.

Your physician certification and CCC registration must be renewed yearly. Even if your actual card does not expire, you will be unable to make purchases once your certification expires. You can renew ahead of time up to 60 days before expiration.

• No registration fee for the state, just a $10 fee if you lose your card
• Telemedicine is totally recognized for both new and renewals
• Initial Access allows you to buy from a dispensary right after your certification
• Card sent in 7-14 days
• Valid for 1 year – you need to renew both the certification and registration annually
• Medical use permits the possession of 10 ounces (compared to 1 ounce for recreational)
• Grown at home using the Hardship Registration
• Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state medical cards