If you live in Massachusetts and have a qualifying medical condition, you might be qualified to register for the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program. Don’t worry if you don’t have any clue on how you can get an MMJ card in Massachusetts, we will guide you in this article.
IN THIS SECTION:
Getting a recommendation from your doctor is the first step. It’s crucial to be honest about your medical condition and provide your doctor with an explanation of why you think medical marijuana will help you. Your physician must fill out and submit an electronic patient certification to the Medical Use of Marijuana Program if they decide to prescribe medical marijuana for you.
You will receive an email with your 4-digit PIN and instructions on completing your online patient application after your recommended physician qualifies you. There are two steps to the online registration process:
In this section, you will be required to scan a photo ID and register. After that, you will get a confirmation email that gives you access to create your patient account.
After you complete the Virtual Gateway stages, you will receive an email with the link to the MMJ Online System. In this section, you will be required to upload a current passport-style photo to be used on your patient ID card, along with your picture ID. You can access and upload your photo using the online system if it is on file with the Massachusetts RMV. If you’re uploading your photo, click “browse,” choose the file, and then click “proceed.” To receive a waiver, you will also need to pay the $50 application fee or provide documentation of your low-income status. The last step is to check and send in your finished application.
If your application is accepted, you will initially receive a temporary printable copy of your Massachusetts medical marijuana card, enabling you to start making purchases at the dispensary. You will receive your official card through the mail once it is prepared. Once your card has been issued, you are free to visit the dispensary and start making purchases.
Just show your Program registration card and a legitimate form of identification to a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) to receive marijuana for medical use. You must continue to be registered with the Program and hold a valid certification from your certifying healthcare provider.
For a patient to be eligible to apply for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card, they must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have a “debilitating medical condition”
Have a valid Massachusetts residency.
A minor—someone under the age of eighteen—is not eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card. On behalf of a minor patient who satisfies the conditions to be eligible for medical marijuana treatment, a primary caregiver may apply. The minor must have been diagnosed by a minimum of two licensed physicians in Massachusetts to be eligible for this dispensation. In addition, the minor’s parent or legal guardian must be permitted to be the patient’s primary caretaker.