Speak with a Medical
Marijuana Doctor in Massachusetts

With 63% of the vote, Massachusetts voters approved of Question 3, better known as the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative. The law took effect on January 1, 2013, allowing for 35 non-profit medical marijuana dispensaries to open. Patients with an approved, qualified medical condition must provide their certification to receive a PIN that enables them to register with the program. 
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Doctors who wish to take part in the program must ensure that they are a state-licensed MD or DO while holding an active license without any restrictions applied. Applicants must also have a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) and at least one practice established in the state. The state has similar requirements for Nurse Practitioners and physician assistants.

Qualifying Conditions

Per state law, applicants and renewing patients must have one of the following debilitating medical conditions:

• Cancer
  
• Glaucoma
  
• Positive status for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  
• Hepatitis C
  
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  
• Crohn's Disease
  
• Parkinson's disease
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  
• Diseases and conditions determined to be debilitating, per the applicant’s healthcare provider
  

The state qualifies "debilitating" as "causing weakness, cachexia, wasting syndrome, intractable pain, or nausea, or impairing strength or ability, and progressing to such an extent that one or more of a patient's major life activities is substantially limited."

How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Massachusetts

Applicants can register for the program online or via mail. Once certified, you will receive a PIN to register online. In addition to a PIN, applicants must provide a current form of ID. Mail applicants need to include an acceptable photo of themselves for their license. Online applicants will upload their picture through the state's online portal. 
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After being approved, online applicants should receive their certification in one to two days, with mail applicants having to wait a few more days before receiving their recommendation. At this time, approved patients can list up to two caregivers for their treatment.

How to Become a Patient Caregiver in Massachusetts

Those applying to be caretakers must have a PIN of the approved patient they aim to provide care to. They must also present a valid form of ID and a current photo under the same terms as an patient who is applying would. 

After registering with the program, applying caregivers should receive an email that contains a link to complete the registration process. Applicants have seven days from the email being sent to complete the process. The link is only valid the first time the link gets clicked. Once approved, caregivers must carry their cards at all times.

How to Renew A Massachusetts Registry ID

Patient licenses expire annually in Massachusetts. Those looking to renew can start the process as early as 60 days before the license is set to expire. It is advised that patients begin the process sooner to avoid any potential lapses in coverage.

Patients can check the validity of their license using the state's MMJ Online System, or by calling the state's office for the program at (833) 869-6820. Whichever way you prefer, be sure you understand when your license is up for renewal.

Having a valid license is also part of renewing a caregiver ID card. The program ID expires the same day as a program registration card does. When approved, the state will send a new license to you. 

The state’s website portal provides detailed walkthroughs for both patients and caregivers. Whether renewing or applying for the first time, detailed website information should make the process as seamless as possible.

Patient Possession Limits

Qualified patients can possess up to a two-month supply of medical cannabis unless a Certifying Healthcare Provider (CHP) determines an additional amount is required. Per state rules, patients can receive up to a 14-day supply, or 2.5 oz of cannabis. A physician can set a different 14-day supply. Options include a 60-day supply of medical marijuana, totaling no more than 10 ounces of cannabis. Possession rules are the same for caregivers.

More About Massachusetts

With a population of just under 7 million, Massachusetts has been a beacon for cannabis reform on the east coast over the past decade. 
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As of May 31, 2019, the state had over 59,000 patients actively involved with the program. They are joined by just over 7,000 active caregivers and 293 CHPs. Data from Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics found that the state boasts 51 dispensaries dedicated to serving just the medical market. An additional 15 stores serve both adult users and medical patients. 
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Medical reform gets sandwiched between the state's 2008 decriminalization law, and its 2016 adult use reform passage. In each case, the measure passed via a ballot initiative. While medical patients have been served, complaints about the adult use market exist. In many cases, it is alleged that a local host community agreement stipulation allows local governments to create de-facto bans of retail locations in their city.