How Do I Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in MA?

by Haley Mills · November 4, 2022

Looking to get a medical marijuana card in MA? Here’s everything you need to know, from qualifying conditions to the application process.

how do i get a medical marijuana card in massachusetts

Whether you’re a Massachusetts resident considering applying for an MMJ card or if you are a current cardholder looking to move to MA, there are steps you can take to secure your medical marijuana card online. The Massachusetts medical marijuana card process can be done entirely online. 

One will first need to obtain a certification from a licensed physician that they have a qualifying condition. Once certified by a medical professional, patients can go through the application process online, either through the state website or telehealth providers. Read on as we go over the steps to apply, renew, and become a caregiver in Massachusetts. 

The United States and Legal Medical Cannabis

In the United States, medical marijuana programs have been legalized in thirty-six states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medical marijuana programs allow patients with specified conditions to own, grow and utilize cannabis products to aid in managing their condition, even if recreational cannabis users are not authorized.

Approved requirements vary by state, and many programs will require patience to apply for a medical cannabis card. This process will typically include a consultation and evaluation by a physician. A primary care provider can often suggest it for medical cannabis patients with long-term or chronic conditions.

Medicinal Cannabis Use

Over fifty peer-reviewed medical studies have been conducted on the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis and its many cannabinoids and terpenes. The consensus that emerged from these studies is that cannabis can provide medical benefits for many different conditions.

While most of these studies have focused on the help of the specific cannabinoid CBD, other major and minor cannabinoids, in conjunction with terpenes, show significant promise in treating both physical and mental ailments.

MA Patient Eligibility

A Massachusetts medical marijuana patient must be 18 or older to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Only those who can prove MA residency can apply for a patient id number and a license for the medical marijuana program (valid state-issued driver’s license, Government ID). A Massachusetts resident must also have medical history showing a diagnosis that qualifies a doctor to recommend them as a patient that can legally obtain medical marijuana.

Qualifying Conditions in Massachusetts

 A Massachusetts medical marijuana patient with the following conditions may apply for a medical cannabis card:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician

Steps to Apply for a Medical Card

There are a few steps to get a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts with the help of Leafy DOC. First, you’ll select your State to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about the Massachusetts medical marijuana card process.

Skip the wait at the doctor’s office and schedule your evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home. Submit an intake form with a few personal details and a summary of your medical history; then, we’ll help you book an on-demand telehealth appointment or schedule a convenient time for later.

An online recommendation with Leafy DOC starts at 125 USD for new patients and renewals in Massachusetts. If you are not approved, there is a money-back guarantee.

Connect with the right medical marijuana doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video. Our licensed physicians will evaluate your qualifying condition and address your questions and concerns.

With your own portal, you’ll be able to communicate with the Leafy DOC team easily throughout the process. You will receive a confirmation email with a unique pin and application instructions if you are approved for your medical card.

If you qualify for a medical marijuana recommendation, you will receive a PIN from the health care provider.

  • Use the PIN to register online at the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program website. You must also include a current government-issued ID and a current, accepted photograph in the application. It’s free to enroll in the marijuana program online system.

After the state approves your registration, you may have to wait up to sixty days to receive your medical cannabis license in the mail; however, it usually doesn’t take that long. Once you have the MMJ card, you can visit Massachusetts dispensaries and purchase medicinal cannabis products for your qualifying medical conditions.

Get Approved Today!

Can Leafy DOC help?

Absolutely! Not only can Leafy DOC provide a way to see a doctor via telehealth and obtain your medical card, but we also offer access to knowledgeable and helpful customer support and a personalized health coach that can guide you before and after the MMJ card process.

Our mission at Leafy DOC is to provide a seamless customer experience, educate people about cannabis, and ultimately help people get medical cards quickly and efficiently.

Additional MMJ Card Fees in MA

There isn’t a fee for medical patients to apply for or renew a medical cannabis card in Massachusetts. There is a ten USD replacement fee for lost or stolen cards.

The Renewal Process

It is recommended to renew around a month before the expiration date to have time to complete the renewal appointment and application. MA medical marijuana cards expire one year after the certification date on the physician’s recommendation. New cannabis ID cards are issued upon recertification approval. There is no renewal fee.

How to Apply as a Caregiver

A primary caregiver is an adult over 21 legally allowed to purchase, transport, educate, and administer medical cannabis to medical marijuana patients with a valid medical card.

Over thirty states have legalized medical marijuana programs, allowing caregivers to assist qualified patients. In these locations, state legislation provides legal protection for the patient and the caregiver from criminal penalties. 

Caregiver requirements include providing current identification that proves Massachusetts residency. You can use two forms of identification: 

  • A valid driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport or Military ID 
  • Proof of residency

A personal caregiver has to be at least 21 years of age and a Massachusetts resident. A caregiver must renew their medical cannabis card annually to remain valid. Once the state approves, the caregiver will be given a registration number allowing them to purchase cannabis on their patient’s behalf.

Where to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts

Once registered for the Massachusetts Medical Cannabis program and received your ID card, you may wonder what’s next. There are a few ways to obtain legal, medical marijuana in Massachusetts as a qualified patient. You can visit a licensed Massachusetts dispensary or order online for pickup/ delivery in some areas. There are dispensaries with a wide variety of cannabis products across the state.

Last Updated: January 30, 2024

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