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Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions

Massachusetts residents with chronic, debilitating medical conditions can now qualify for Massachusetts' Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP)and legally obtain their medical marijuana to treat their conditions. Voters passed the Massachusetts' Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative in November 2012, with the first of the state's now-nearly dozen medical marijuana dispensaries.

Adult-use marijuana is also legal in the state of Massachusetts, but there are many advantages to having a medical marijuana card.

The first step in the process to obtaining a medical cannabis card in Massachusetts is to identify and become certified by a licensed healthcare professional. Once certified, you can then register and apply for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card. If you’re unable to apply yourself or if you’re under 18 years of age, you can have a personal caregiver apply on your behalf.

Below are five of the most common debilitating conditions that qualifying patients are diagnosed with in Massachusetts.

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1: Intractable Pain

Medical marijuana has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic intractable pain. This type of pain is caused by nerve damage or inflammation and is typically resistant to traditional pain treatments. Marijuana can help to alleviate this pain by reducing inflammation and interrupting the pain signals sent to the brain. In addition, marijuana can also improve mood and help to reduce anxiety and stress, which can aggravate chronic pain.

The two main cannabinoids found in marijuana—THC and CBD—both have been shown to help alleviate pain. THC is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain. CBD can also help to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as improve sleep quality, which can help to further reduce pain levels.

2: Cancer

Medical marijuana is used to help relieve or even alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer and its treatments, especially three major symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and pain. Marijuana has been shown to help decrease nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, especially when used in conjunction with other medications. It can also help alleviate pain, which can be especially helpful for patients who are in the later stages of cancer.

It can also improve a patient's appetite and mood. Marijuana may be especially helpful for people who have cancer-related anxiety or depression. There is some evidence that marijuana can help kill cancer cells.

3: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including muscle spasms, pain, and appetite loss. Patients in some studies have reported a significant improvement in their quality of life after including medical marijuana in their treatment regimen.

Medical marijuana can help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle spasms caused by ALS. Cannabis is thought to work by reducing inflammation and pain in the muscles.

ALS is a painful condition, and medical marijuana can help alleviate this pain. Cannabis is thought to work by reducing inflammation and pain in the nerves.

Patients with ALS often experience appetite loss, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Medical marijuana can help increase appetite and improve nutrition in ALS patients. Cannabis is thought to stimulate the appetite by increasing the level of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin in the body.

4: Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that results in swelling and ulcers in the digestive tract. It can cause pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and other symptoms. While there is no cure for Crohn's disease, medical marijuana can be used to help treat its symptoms.

Medical marijuana can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can help relieve pain and other symptoms. It can also help increase appetite and weight gain, which can be important for people with Crohn's disease. Additionally, marijuana has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help improve healing.

5: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic, progressive neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include muscle spasms, pain, fatigue, vision problems, and changes in mood or cognitive function.

The two main cannabinoids in medical marijuana, THC and CBD, help to reduce inflammation and manage muscle pain. Marijuana is also effective in treating muscle stiffness, spasms, tremors, and fatigue. It can also help improve vision and mood.

There is not currently a cure for MS, but medical marijuana can help improve the quality of life for patients.

Full List of Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions

Medical marijuana patients must be certified by a state-registered healthcare professional as having one of the following conditions to be eligible for Massachusetts' Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP). The MMMP's regulating body, the Cannabis Control Commission, delineates a broad range of debilitating conditions for those who might benefit from cannabis use through the state’s medical marijuana program.

Those conditions include:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Hepatitis C
  • Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Any other debilitating condition as determined in writing by a certified physician

Don’t Have A Qualifying Condition on This List

Patients who do not have a qualifying condition on Massachusetts' list of qualifying medical conditions, they may still be eligible for MMJ cards if their licensed physician believes that the potential benefits of medical marijuana would outweigh the risks.

If you are having trouble finding your debilitating condition on Massachusetts' list, contact the Sanctuary to connect you with a Massachusetts medical marijuana healthcare provider so you can receive your diagnosis and medical marijuana ID card as soon as possible.