• Basics of the Massachusetts Law

Massachusetts passed a law to legalize therapeutic cannabis in 2012 through a Ballot Question that received 63% of the vote. The Massachusetts law allows qualifying patients to possess 10 ounces, or a 60-day supply of cannabis for medical use. Cultivation is not allowed. MA residents who wish to obtain cannabis as medicine must submit a “Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program Application” that includes a written certification completed by a qualified health care provider stating he or she suffers from one or more qualifying medical conditions. Currently you are not allowed to use medical marijuana ID cards from other states to obtain MA cannabis.

  • Patients

Anyone applying for a marijuana medical card must pay a nonrefundable $50 registration fee that may be waived for verified financial hardship. The annual renewal fee is $50. Qualifying patients who are minors require verification of a qualifying diagnosis from 2 certifying physicians, 1 of which must be a pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist. Certification of minors must include a discussion of the potential negative neurologic impact of therapeutic cannabis along with written consent to treatment from the minor’s parent or guardian.

The Massachusetts law allows qualifying patients to possess 10 ounces, or a 60-day supply, of medical cannabis.

  • Caregivers

Any patient who needs assistance with obtaining or administering cannabis can designate a personal caregiver who must also apply. Minor patients must have a primary caregiver. Personal caregivers are not required to pay a registration fee. Caregivers may engage in the cultivation of the patient’s 60-day supply if application for hardship cultivation is approved and a $100 fee is paid.

  • Physicians

Physicians who are interested in making recommendations for marijuana treatment in this state must possess a current and unrestricted state medical license and be registered to prescribe controlled substances. There is no special training that is required before a physician can recommend marijuana as medicine.

  • Qualifying Medical Conditions

In-order-to qualify as a cannabis patient in the state, a resident must suffer from one of more qualifying conditions that include cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying physician. If you need more information about therapeutic medical marijuana law or licensing process visit the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program website.