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The residents of Massachusetts voted in favor of medical cannabis legalization back in 2012, ensuring a spot for the state within the list of medical cannabis US states with 63% votes in favor. It surely has been more than a decade now since medical cannabis became legal in Massachusetts, but does the state allow a minor to get a medical marijuana card? Yes, it does.
Eligibility requirements for a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts
The eligibility criteria set by the state in this regard are quite standard. You must be a resident of Massachusetts state and possess a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a doctor. However, patients who are not yet 18 must have a designated caregiver with them in order to apply for a medical marijuana card.
As per the state law, the caregiver must be one of the parents or legal guardians of the patient. Plus, patients who are not yet 18, require medical marijuana recommendations from two doctors. One from a licensed medical cannabis physician and the other one from a pediatrician.
Qualifying medical conditions
As per the state law, a patient must be diagnosed with one of the following qualifying medical conditions in order to be marked eligible for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card,
- 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)
What exactly is a caregiver?
Within the state of Massachusetts, a caregiver is an individual who can assist with medical marijuana possession, considering that a patient who is not yet 18 can’t legally purchase cannabis products. The caregiver must be one of the parents or legal guardians of the patient. The state allows a patient to have up to two caregivers.
The state also clearly mentions that the caregiver must be older than 21 and fill out the complete caregiver’s application with all the required identity documents and PIN approval from the patient.
Medical Marijuana Laws for minors in Massachusetts
The medical marijuana laws are similar for both qualifying adult and minor patients within the state. Some of the key points of these laws include,
- Consuming marijuana in public or on federal land is illegal within the state.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana or consuming marijuana while driving is illegal.
- If the owner possesses more than 40 grams of marijuana, there is a $3.50 tax per gram.
- While in a car, the cannabis must be stored in a closed trunk or in a locked glove compartment.
Final Note
The state of Massachusetts has taken a quite moderate approach to upgrading its cannabis laws. In many aspects, the cannabis possession laws active within the state are quite patient-focused, especially if the patient is not yet 18.
