Ten Things New Patients Should Know

Here are 10 things every new Registered Qualifying Patient (Patient) should know about the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program.

1. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of Massachusetts.

You must be 18 years or older—and a resident of Massachusetts—to be eligible for the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program (Program). If you are younger than 18 years old, your parent or guardian must approve of your medical cannabis use, and you must have certification by two Certifying Health Care Providers, one of whom must be a pediatrician or pediatric specialist.

2. You must have a qualifying medical condition.

The list of medical conditions includes:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a certified physician

3. You must receive a written recommendation from a Certifying Health Care Provider to become a Patient of the program.

Certifying Health Care Providers may include physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants that are registered in the Program.

4. Apply for the Program online.

Applying for the Program via the Medical Use of Marijuana Program Online System (Online System) is the fastest and easiest way to register as a New Patient.

5. There is no fee to register.

There is no longer a fee to register for a Medical Use of Marijuana Program registration card (Program registration card) through the Cannabis Control Commission. Certifying Health Care Providers may charge Patients a fee for annual certification visits.

6. Carry your Program registration card.

You must carry your Program registration card whenever you are in possession of marijuana for medical use. Replacement cards are available for a $10 fee. If the fee poses a Verified Financial Hardship, the Qualifying Patient may request a waiver of the fee in a form and manner determined by the Commission.

7. Patients may possess up to 10 ounces of medical marijuana.

The maximum amount a Patient may possess at one time is a 60-day supply—or up to 10 ounces. A Certifying Health Care Provider may deem a larger quantity is medically necessary.

8. You may designate up to two caregivers.

Personal Caregivers assist their Patients with their use of medical marijuana.

9. Manage your account online.

You can manage your account—including name and contact changes—quickly and easily online.

10. Renew your Patient status annually.

You must renew your Patient status in the Program annually.