How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Massachusetts
Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational purposes in Massachusetts. The state’s medical program is thriving, and its recreational market is one of the strongest in the Northeast. Still, there are benefits to being a medical cannabis patient in Massachusetts.
For many patients, having a caregiver provides the extra bit of help they need to manage their medical cannabis. For others, a caregiver is a vital lifeline that makes using medical cannabis possible.
Patients may choose to designate a caregiver for a number of reasons. Minor patients are required to have a parent or legal guardian serve as their caregiver. Patients with more severe medical conditions may need the assistance of a caregiver in purchasing, cultivating, or using their medical cannabis. In order for a caregiver to provide care to patients, they’re afforded certain rights and privileges under the law. Those rights are similar to those afforded to patients, but they aren’t exactly the same.
If you’re considering being a caregiver or you’re a patient thinking about designating one, it’s important to understand the rights and responsibilities of a caregiver in MA, as well as the state’s registration process.
How to Become a Medical Cannabis Caregiver in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the process of registering as a medical cannabis caregiver is straightforward. In order to register, you need a unique PIN from the patient for whom you’ll be providing care. From there, it’s as simple as filling out the state’s required forms.
- Obtain the PIN from the patient.
- Get your government-issued ID ready. You’ll need a driver’s license or any other ID issued by a government agency.
- Take a passport-style photo. You’ll need a passport-style photo for your ID. The state may be able to use your driver’s license photo.
- Fill out the state’s online registration. You’ll need to upload the gathered materials and enter your patient’s PIN. MA does not charge a registration fee.
- Wait for your ID to arrive.
What is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver (and Who Qualifies in Massachusetts)?
In Massachusetts, patients may designate up to two caregivers. Caregivers may only care for five patients at a time unless they apply for and get approved for a waiver. There is an exception for caregivers who are immediate family members of a patient. The state allows caregivers to care for patients in a number of ways, but there are a few key restrictions placed on caregivers.
To qualify as a medical cannabis caregiver in Massachusetts, a person must:
- Be a Massachusetts resident with a state-issued ID
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be authorized by the patient through the PIN number they provide
- Provide a passport-style photo
Caregivers in MA cannot:
- Sell the patient’s cannabis
- Cultivate more than 12 mature or 12 immature plants for more than one patient who hasn’t obtained a Hardship Cultivation Registration
- Sell cannabis they cultivate (it must be provided to the registered patient without compensation.)
- Use the patient’s cannabis
- Allow patients under 18 to possess cannabis without the caregiver present
- Serve as the caregiver to more than five patients (unless those patients are immediate family or a waiver has been acquired)
Massachusetts does not charge a fee for caregivers to register with the state.
Massachusetts Laws for MMJ Caregivers and Their Patients
Designating a Caregiver in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, patients can designate up to two caregivers at one time. Caregivers can only care for one patient once. Massachusetts patients receive a unique PIN. In order for a caregiver to register with the state, they’ll need to provide the PIN for the patient for whom they’ll be providing care. The state will not allow caregivers to register without a PIN. Massachusetts also requires caregivers to provide a recent passport-style photo during registration for use on their ID card.
Cultivating Cannabis as a Caregiver in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, both all medical cannabis patients and all recreational cannabis users over 21 can cultivate their own cannabis. However, medical patients can cultivate up to 12 mature plants and 12 immature plants, while recreational users are limited to 6 immature and 6 mature plants. Patients with a Hardship Cultivation registration can cultivate up to a 60-day supply of cannabis for themselves at once.
For caregivers, you can cultivate the legal allowance of 12 immature and 12 mature cannabis plants for up to one patient unless they have a Hardship Cultivation Registration. If a patient has a Hardship Cultivation Registration, you can help them cultivate their 60-day supply of cannabis, but the grow canopy cannot exceed 500 sq ft.
Learn more about Massachusetts's cannabis laws and regulations, review our extensive patient FAQs, or visit one of our other helpful resources for current and prospective Massachusetts medical cannabis patients.
