How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
The process for how to get a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts is relatively simple. You will need to provide proof of residency, as well as a copy of your identification. You must also be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions to be eligible for a medical marijuana card.
Once you have been approved for a medical marijuana card, you will be able to purchase marijuana from a dispensary in Massachusetts. The amount that you are able to purchase will be based on the severity of your condition.
MMJ Card Membership Details
The fees for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts vary by county. The total fee consists of two parts: an application fee and a registration fee. These two fees cannot be combined into one, so you must pay both in the corresponding amount that your county requires. The costs of these fees range from $50 to $300.
If you do not have enough funds, you can apply for a hardship waiver with the Department of Public Health (DPH). A hardship waiver is designed for those who meet several qualifications, including financial need or lack of transportation. If approved for a hardship waiver, you will only pay the registration fee and not the application fee as well.
It can take as many as 20 business days to receive a notification letter either approving or denying your medical marijuana card application. This time frame only applies if you are applying as a new patient. If, however, you are applying as a renewal, then it will only take 7-10 business days to process the application and issue an approval or denial letter.
If you are approved for your medical marijuana card, it is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Your expiration date will be printed on the back of your identification card. There are no fees associated with renewing your medical marijuana card; however, if you do not renew within 10 days following the expiration date, you must submit a new application to the DPH.
Medical Marijuana Card Requirements
The requirements for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts vary slightly by patient. If you are interested in applying as an adult-use patient, then you must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: 18+ years old
- Residency requirement: Must be a resident of Massachusetts
- Diagnosis requirement: Must have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions by your healthcare professional. These conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Designated primary caregiver requirement: None
- Application process: Complete the application and mail it in with the corresponding fees
If you are interested in applying as a pediatric patient, then you must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: 17 years old or younger
- Residency requirement: Must be a resident of Massachusetts
- Diagnosis requirement: Must have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions by your healthcare professional. These include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease
- Designated primary caregiver requirement: One caregiver must be designated who is responsible for providing care to the pediatric patient. That caregiver must be 18 years or older and must be a resident of Massachusetts
- Application process: Complete the application and mail it in with the corresponding fees
If you are interested in applying as an adult-use dependent, then you must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: 18+ years old
- Residency requirement: Must be a resident of Massachusetts (You do not have to be related to your caregiver)
- Designated primary caregiver requirement: None. (However, this patient does have to designate someone who will assist them when help is needed with administering medication. This person does not have to be a resident of Massachusetts. They can be anyone at least 18 years old who is involved in the patient’s healthcare decisions. If this person is not available, then the patient must appoint a second caregiver
- Application process: Complete the application and mail it in with the corresponding fees
If you are interested in applying as a qualifying patient who is homeless, then you must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: 18+ years old
- Residency requirement: Must be a resident of Massachusetts
- Diagnosis requirement: Must have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions by your healthcare professional. These include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease
- Designated primary caregiver requirement: A homeless person may designate anyone they choose to be their caregiver
- Application process: Complete the application and mail it in with the corresponding fees
Why Get a Medical Marijuana Card in a Recreational State?
Since Massachusetts recently legalized cannabis, many people are surprised to learn that there are still laws regulating marijuana in the commonwealth. Massachusetts has created these regulations in order to make the process of obtaining medical marijuana as easy as possible for patients. This means that you can still get your medical card and purchase your medication without any unnecessary changes made to the process. By following certain regulations set out by the DPH, patients can continue receiving their prescription without being affected by the legalization of cannabis.
If you are a qualifying patient in Massachusetts, then you can continue to purchase medical marijuana at any of the licensed dispensaries throughout the commonwealth. You also can possess as much as 10 ounces of cannabis flower and have a 60-day supply of cannabis products. The DPH has also created regulations stating that all products sold at dispensaries must be lab tested for safety and quality. This means that patients can trust that they are receiving high-quality medication from licensed dispensaries.
Some benefits of having a medical marijuana card in a recreational state include:
- You can purchase more than just flower at your dispensary. Some dispensaries may offer edibles, tinctures, topicals, and other cannabis products that you cannot buy without a medical card.
- More variety. Patients who have medical cards typically have access to different strains of cannabis than those who do not. This means that patients using cannabis for chronic pain or anxiety will be able to find something better suited than what they would receive at a recreational dispensary.
- More affordable pricing. Since dispensaries are only allowed to sell medical marijuana to qualifying patients, the prices are much lower compared to recreational shops where anyone can spend as much money as they want on whatever they please. With lower prices, patients will be able to save money and better manage their conditions.
- Easier access to medication. Patients do not have to worry about changes in the process of obtaining their medical marijuana card just because cannabis is now legal. This means that they can go about their day-to-day lives without any interruptions and continue to receive the treatment they need.
Although cannabis is now legal in Massachusetts, patients can still get their medical marijuana card and purchase medication at licensed dispensaries. By following the regulations set out by the DPH, patients can feel confident that they are receiving high-quality products that will help them manage their conditions.
How we reviewed this article:
- Register as a New Patient
https://masscannabiscontrol.com/for-new-patients/register-as-a-new-patient/ - Rhode Island Online Renewal Portal
https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=280
Current Version
December 9, 2021
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.
