How Easy It Is To Get A Medical Card in Massachusetts?

Minors may become cannabis patients in Massachusetts if they have prior approval from their parent or guardian. Minors are not permitted to obtain a cultivation ID card.

Caregiver requirements

Registered patients requiring assistance in obtaining or using medical marijuana may appoint a designee; a primary caregiver. Personal caregivers must first register with the MMP using the patient’s PIN (provided by the physician). Caregivers must be at least 21 years old and can only care for one patient at a time. A hospice, nursing, or medical facility employee, a visiting nurse, personal care attendant, or home health aide providing care to a qualifying patient, as well as those under the age of 18, may serve as a designated caregiver.

Application process

1. Obtain the patient’s PIN through their existing MMP portal account.

2. Fill out the program application.

3. Provide a valid state-issued identification card as proof of Massachusetts residency, as well as a recent photo that meets the requirements for the registration guidelines.

In Massachusetts, you can get a medical marijuana card if you are:

• At least 18 years old

• Are you a Massachusetts resident?

• Have at least one of the program’s listed qualifying medical conditions

Don’t worry when you’re a minor with a qualifying condition. Those under the age of 18 can still obtain MMJ cards, but they must have two physician advices, not just one, in order to apply.

• Flower

• Concentrates Vape cartridges

• Pre-rolls

• Tinctures

• Oils

• Infused edibles, including THC beverages

A medical marijuana card in Massachusetts is valid for 36 months (3 years). Although your MMJ Card is valid for three years, you must renew your registration on an annual basis. If you misplace your card, it will cost you $10 to replace it.

The qualifying conditions for getting medical cannabis in the Pilgrim State are:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease

• Cancer

• Crohn’s disease

• Glaucoma

• Hepatitis C

• HIV/AIDS

• Multiple sclerosis 

• Parkinson’s disease

• Post Traumatic Stress Order

Let’s say your illness isn’t on the list. In that case, if your doctor believes your condition is “debilitating” and would benefit from medicinal marijuana, he or she may still write you a recommendation.

Assume a patient does not require an in-person appointment. In that case, a physician can administer a telemedicine exam to determine whether the patient is eligible for medical marijuana use. Physicians should be aware, however, that the certification requires a written by hand signature. Telemedicine physicians in Massachusetts must follow existing telemedicine regulations.

Yes, Medical Marijuana Doctors are available in Massachusetts for both in-person and virtual visits. Making it possible for Massachusetts residents to qualify for medical cannabis from the patient’s home.

Any person over the age of 21 may flourish up to six plants per person or up to 12 plants per household in their home. Cannabis grown at home does not count toward the 10 ounces that people are permitted to own at home. The Commission offers guidelines on growing cannabis at home in compliance with the law.

If qualifying patients want to grow their own cannabis or have caregivers grow it for them, they can apply for hardship registration. They are permitted to grow the number of plants required to provide a 60-day supply of cannabis.

The cost of a doctor’s consultation varies greatly. In general, you should budget between $150 and $200, although a few clinics offer discounts to seniors and veterans. The patient registration form costs $50 to complete. Individuals who can demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible for a fee waiver.

To qualify, your household income cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level for your family size. We’ve included a chart below to help you figure out if you’re eligible. If you receive Supplemental Security Income or MassHealth, you may also be eligible.

No, insurance companies typically do not cover medical marijuana or related expenses.