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The state of Massachusetts is one of the US states having an active and well-sorted medical marijuana program. The state decriminalized marijuana possession back in 2008 and officially legalized medical marijuana in 2012 with the launch of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) within the state. The program allows registered medical marijuana users, caregivers, or certain health professionals to possess/consume medical marijuana products.
Well, the state of Massachusetts does have a credible and quite effective medical marijuana program, but we can’t ignore the fact that recreational marijuana possession is also allowed within the state that doesn’t require a legal adult resident of Massachusetts to have a registered medical marijuana card. So doesn’t that nullify the value of a medical marijuana card in the first place?
The right answer will be no. Although recreational marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, some benefits are limited to medical marijuana users only. To help you better understand, let's take a look at how you can get a Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card in 2023.
Possible Benefits Of Having A Medical Marijuana Card In Massachusetts
Having a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts allows you to enjoy the following benefits within the state premises,
- Having a medical marijuana card surely gives you a prominent tax discount even when you’re purchasing from the adult-use recreational marijuana market. On average, medical marijuana users save around 20% more than recreational marijuana users on overall purchases. Plus, having a medical marijuana card also gives you the right to make payments via a debit/credit card.
- Medical marijuana users also enjoy a higher possession limit than recreational marijuana users. As per the law, medical marijuana users can possess up to 10 ounces of flower and around 50 grams of concentrates.
- On the other hand, recreational marijuana users can keep 1 ounce of marijuana outside their homes and 10 ounces of marijuana along with 5 ounces of concentrates within the house.
As per state law, dispensaries are instructed to keep 35% of their inventory for medical marijuana patients along with additional perks like separate lines and home delivery options.
Eligibility Requirements
Just like any other US state with an active medical marijuana program, the state of Massachusetts has set some requirements that determine whether or not you’re eligible for a medical marijuana card. Following is an overview of these requirements,
The applicant must be older than 18. Minor patients are also allowed to apply for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card considering that they are accompanied by a registered caregiver.
The applicant must be a resident of Massachusetts state as the state may request the applicant to submit some proof of their residency.
The applicant must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions by a certified medical doctor.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
According to Massachusetts state law, a patient must be diagnosed with one of the following qualifying medical conditions to be marked eligible for a medical marijuana card. Apart from these medical conditions, the doctor also has the right to suggest medical marijuana-based treatment for a debilitating medical condition.
- AIDS/HIV
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C)
How To Apply? A Step-By-Step Guide
Well, considering that you might be thinking about applying for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card yourself, here’s a brief step-by-step guide that you need to follow,
The first step is to register for an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to look as the Kif offers you to book your appointment as and when you prefer.
Once you have been recommended medical marijuana by a certified physician, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents and apply for your medical marijuana card at the relevant department. Don’t forget to pay the application fee set by the state as well.
In the end, wait for your approval as you will be further guided regarding how and when to collect your Massachusetts medical marijuana card.
What To Expect During Your Kif Appointment?
Since the day we started our operations, our main focus is to ensure that you get the best quality and timely services from us. When you book an appointment with us, that’s exactly what you’ll find.
To book your appointment, you need to log in to your Kif account and select the time and date of the appointment that will be most suitable for you. Our telemedicine-powered approach allows you to join your doctor for the appointment completely online. Plus, we also offer a money-back guarantee in case you don’t get a medical marijuana recommendation from us.
Potential Cost
Well, the state of Massachusetts doesn’t charge a separate application fee for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card with a validity of one year. The only time you’ll have to pay throughout the process is to book an appointment with a physician.
Medical Marijuana Reciprocity
Unfortunately, the state of Massachusetts hasn’t signed any reciprocity agreements with other US states. However, the following are the US states that do accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards and practice some level of reciprocity,
- Alaska ^
- New Mexico * (recreational cannabis is legal in NM)
- New York ^
- California ^
- Colorado ^
- Hawaii *
- Pennsylvania (minors only)
- Illinois ^
- Maine
- Connecticut ^
- Arkansas *
- Michigan (qualifying state must also have reciprocity with Michigan)
- Missouri ^
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey *
- Oklahoma *
- Oregon ^
- Puerto Rico
- Washington ^
- Washington D.C.
- Maryland ^ (as of July 2023)
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- U.S. Virgin Islands *
- Utah (max. 45 days, after which the patient must apply for a Utah MMJ card)
- Vermont ^
- Virginia ^
States marked with * require visitors to complete a visiting patient application for the duration of their stay.
States marked with ^ have adult use programs but do not accept out-of-state cards.
Applying As A Caregiver
The state of Massachusetts does allow minor patients to have dedicated caregivers to aid them with marijuana possession and consumption. A patient is allowed to have up to two caregivers but to apply as a caregiver, the applicant must meet the following criteria,
- Caregivers must be 21 years or older.
- Must have a clear criminal record.
- Must be a resident of Massachusetts state.
Apart from these core requirements, some several other requirements and prerequisites will determine your eligibility as a caregiver. Also, you need to register yourself with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s Medical Marijuana Program and the PIN obtained from the patient.
How & Where To Buy Medical Marijuana In Massachusetts?
The state of Massachusetts has a wide network of registered medical dispensaries from where patients and recreational marijuana users can purchase relevant products with ease. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission also maintains a list of adult-use Marijuana Establishments (MEs) and licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centres (MTCs). The list can be accessed via the commission’s official website.
Is ‘Cultivation’ a better option?
The cannabis cultivation limits are the same for both recreational and medical marijuana users in Massachusetts. As per the law, adults/caregivers can grow up to six mature plants per resident but not exceed the limit of twelve plants per household.
Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Laws That You Should Be Aware Of!
- Both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in Massachusetts.
- Marijuana possession limits may differ for both recreational and medical marijuana users but cannabis cultivation limits are the same.
- A patient can have a maximum of two registered caregivers.
FAQs
Are there specific medical marijuana doctors in Massachusetts who can recommend the card?
- Yes, as per the state law, only licensed medical marijuana doctors can recommend a medical marijuana card to a patient.
Can I use my Medical Marijuana Card from another state in Massachusetts?
- Unfortunately, no. The state hasn’t signed any reciprocity agreements with other states regarding medical marijuana yet.
How long is the Medical Marijuana Card valid in Massachusetts?
- The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card will be valid for one year.
Where can I purchase medical marijuana after obtaining my card in Massachusetts?
- The state of Massachusetts has a pretty strong network of marijuana dispensaries from where you can purchase medical marijuana and related products.
Are there any restrictions on the amount of medical marijuana I can possess in Massachusetts with the card?
- As per the law, medical marijuana users can possess up to 10 ounces of flower and around 50 grams of concentrates.
Can I grow my cannabis plants if I have a Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts?
- Yes, the state allows you to grow up to six cannabis plants per resident but not exceed the limit of twelve plants per household.
What should I do if I lose my Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts?
- In such a case, we advise you to contact the relevant authority as soon as possible and apply for a duplicate card.
