How Easy Is It to Get a Medical Card in Massachusetts
Are you interested in getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts? You've come to the right place. We hope this article acts as a valuable guide to help you understand the process of applying for your MMJ Card. We keep this information up to date to make sure it is accurate and makes your journey as simple as possible. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of contents
- Getting a Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card Online via Telehealth with Leafwell
- Who Can Apply for a Massachusetts MMJ Card?
- What Does a Massachusetts MMJ Card Permit?
- How do I Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Massachusetts?
- What Does my Online Medical Marijuana Evaluation with Leafwell Include?
- How Much Does it Cost to Get an MA Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Card?
- What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Certification and MMJ Identity Cards in Massachusetts?
- What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card?
- Do I Need to Present my Medical Records to Leafwell?
- How Does a Caregiver Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?
- Can a Qualifying Patient Grow Cannabis in Massachusetts?
- Are my Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?
- Does Massachusetts Have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
- Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Bridgewater, Barrington, Worcester, Lynn, Brookline, Maine
- History of Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Laws
- Useful Links
Getting a Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card Online via Telehealth with Leafwell
It is now possible to renew your medical marijuana card online in Massachusetts. You must be aged 18 or over in order to qualify for a card or recommendation for yourself. Caregivers must be aged 21 or over. Minors in need of medical cannabis must have a Caregiver listed on their application.
With Leafwell, it is quick, simple and secure to renew your Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card online. We've put together this valuable guide which will answer all your questions and help individuals living in Massachusetts State understand the importance of applying for their Massachusetts MMJ Card via the easy, HIPAA Compliant process offered by Leafwell's telemedicine platform. You can visit our Ultimate Guide to Getting a Medical Marijuana Card for more general information.
While cannabis is legal for recreational use in Marijuana, we recommend you apply for a Massachusetts MMJ card if applicable because it provides additional legal protection. Many counties have banned retail cannabis stores but dispensaries for medical marijuana are permitted. Therefore, in these counties, you will need to possess an MMJ Card to legally purchase marijuana.
Who Can Apply for a Massachusetts MMJ Card?
You must be aged 18 years old or over in order to get a Massachusetts medical marijuana card for yourself. Caregivers must be aged 21 or over and can apply on behalf of a minor patient (under the age of 18). To find out more about becoming a caregiver, keep reading or jump to the useful links at the bottom of this blog.
There are some distinct advantages to having a medical marijuana card, which can apply to many states with a medical marijuana program. Advantages of having a MA state medical cannabis recommendation and identification card include:
- Medical marijuana dispensaries are more likely to be seen as "essential", as they are serving those who need the therapeutic effects of cannabis for a specific health problem.
- Deliveries – qualifying patients may have their product delivered to them.
- Save money on taxes – qualifying patients can save up to 26% on taxes.
- Broader range of products to choose from. Dispensaries are also required to set aside products for medical marijuana patients.
- The ability to pay by cash or card – recreational users can only pay by cash.
- Priority given to patients – separate lines, greater choice of product, set-aside product and better access to on-site dispensary parking facilities.
What Does a Massachusetts MMJ Card Permit?
Here are the current possession limits which a medical marijauna card permits in Massachusetts:
- Possession Limit (Flowers): Up to 60 days' supply may be recommended, which is determined to be around 10 oz.
- Possession Limit (Concentrates): 1 gram = 5.3 grams of raw flower. This suggests that there is a maximum of approximately 50 g of concentrate for medical patients. For edibles, recreational users are restricted to 5 mg of THC.
For non-medical users:
- 1 oz. recreational outside of the home
- 10 oz. recreational inside the home.
Non-medical, recreational users can possess a maximum of 5 grams of concentrate.
How do I Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Massachusetts?
With Leafwell, you can renew your Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card in 4 simple steps:
1. Register online with Leafwell.
It's quick and easy! Plus all of your data and medical records are secure on our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. Even if you didn't get your initial certificate with us, you can renew online today
2. Attend your online appointment and get a medical cannabis certificate renewal online from a state-licensed physician
The process is quick, simple and HIPAA-compliant. Most appointments take 15 minutes or less. This initial consultation fee is $149 for an examination.
3. Log into your Massachusetts account
Once in your profile, you can click Renew Registration and complete the next steps
4. Receive your new card
Your plastic medical marijuana card will be sent to you via mail within 1-2 weeks of your application being approved.
We offer renewal services from $149. If your MMJ Card is due to expire, get in touch with Leafwell today and book your appointment to obtain your certificate.
What Does my Online Medical Marijuana Evaluation with Leafwell Include?
Your online medical marijuana evaluation with Leafwell is quick and easy. In order to get started, we'll need you to provide us with some preliminary details as well as offering you the opportunity to upload some medical records (if you have them). These are all passed securely to one of our registered physicians who can familiarise themselves with your application before your consultation.
The consultation itself is simple and secure, taking place on our bespoke telemedicine platform. You will meet with a Massachusetts registered practitioner who has experience issuing certificates for medical marijuana to patients for a range of medical issues. The registered practitioner will speak with you about why you are applying and ask some questions with regards to your medical conditions and history.
At the end of the consultation, the registered practitioner will be able to make an informed decision about whether he or she recommends the use of medical cannabis based on the medical information they have obtained. If an application is successful, the registered practitioner will complete the certification and register you with the MMMP (Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program) and then promptly email the electronic version of the card in PDF.
If an application is unsuccessful, you will receive an email detailing why our registered practitioner felt unable to provide you with the certificate. You will not be charged for the consultation.
How Much Does it Cost to Get an MA Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Card?
The consultation with one of the Massachusetts Registered Practitioners via Leafwell's HIPAA compliant online consultation service is a one off fee of $149. However, if you do not qualify for an MMJ Card and our practitioner elects not to sign your certificate, you will not be charged.
Upon receiving your certificate, you can submit your application to the Massachusetts state program.
Please note that because cannabis is federally illegal, insurance companies will not cover any costs incurred from applying for a medical marijuana card.
Cannabis bought for recreational purposes must be purchased with cash. Cannabis bought with a medical marijauna card in Massachusetts can be purchased using cash or card.
What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Certification and MMJ Identity Cards in Massachusetts?
Here are the medical conditions which qualify for an MMJ ID Card in Massachusetts:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) aka Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Cancer
- Crohn's Disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune Deficiency
- Syndrome (AIDS)
- Any other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient's physician
During your consulation with a state-licensed physician on the Leafwell telemedicine platform, you will discuss one or more of these medical conditions to help our physician understand whether medical marijuana could help you.
By taking the correct dose of medical marijauna, many patients who experience symptoms from a wide range of medical conditions find their lives transformed. Medical marijuana can give individuals back their energy and capacity to enjoy life, get out in the fresh air and lead a comfortable, healthy and happy existence in the beautiful Massachusetts outdoors. We believe in the power of medical marijuana to change lives for the better and give individuals the power to control their own medical conditions. Our licensed physicians believe this too which is why they work with Leafwell and help as many patients as possible to secure a medical marijuana card if they, as experts, believe cannabis may help alleviate symptoms and medical issues.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card?
In order to apply for your MMJ Card in Massachusetts, you will need to show some identification documents. You should gather together the following:
- ID
- Proof of residency
- A certificate from Leafwell
Below are all of the acceptable forms these documents may take.
Acceptable ID
- Driver's license
- Valid US Passport plus proof of residency
- Military ID plus proof of residency
- State-produced ID card
Acceptable proof of residency
- Bank statement (dated within 2 months)
- Utility bill (dated within 2 months)
- Correspondence with a state department (dated within 2 months)
- Rental or mortgage agreement
Medical Records (optional)
- Progress notes
- Health summary
- List of diagnoses
- Medication list
- Pictures of prescription bottles
Do I Need to Present my Medical Records to Leafwell?
No, it is not a requirement. However, we do recommend it because it helps our registered practitioners gain a comprehensive understanding of your medical history. This allows them to provide an accurate assessment to ensure that medical cannabis is a good option for each patient on a case by case basis. We request the following (if applicable):
- Medication list
- Physician's diagnosis
- Treatment plan
- Progress notes
- Radiology/MRI/X-ray image
- Lab test results
You may also be required to provide these details to the Massachusetts government when you complete your application.
How Does a Caregiver Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card? Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card for My Child in MA?
Some patients may be eligible for an MMJ Card but unable to apply for one themselves. For example, should the patient be a minor under the age of 18, or if the patient needs assistance accessing medical cannabis, a caregiver can be assigned to complete the process on their behalf.
1. You can become a caregiver via the Massachusetts government website. As with patients, you must register with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission's Medical Use of Marijuana Program in order to become a qualified caregiver.
2. You will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the patient you will be assisting with medical marijuana.
3. You will also need to upload a passport-style photograph of yourself. You can do this during the photo setup. You will also need a proof of address and ID. The process of getting a Caregivers' Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts is very similar to that of the patients' process.
4. You can start the Caregiver registration process here.
Having a Caregiver's MMJ card does not qualify you for the use of medical cannabis for yourself. A patient may register up to two caregivers on their application form.
Can a Qualifying Patient Grow Cannabis in Massachusetts?
Yes. Patients may grow up to six plants. Plants must be kept in an enclosed facility.
Are my Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?
Yes. Leafwell is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients. Our online service is HIPAA compliant and our systems are designed to keep all of your confidential details safe.
Does Massachusetts Have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
No. The state of Massachusetts does not recognize the validity of medical marijuana cards from other states.
We recommend you check before you travel outside of Massachusetts to find out if the state you're traveling to will accept you MA medical cannabis card.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Bridgewater, Barrington, Worcester, Lynn, Brookline, Maine
Many counties in Massachusetts have bans on retail marijuana stores. These counties are:
- Barnstable
- Berkshire
- Bristol
- Essex
- Franklin
- Hampshire
- Hampden
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Suffolk
- Worcester
However, medical cannabis dispensaries are a different matter. This means that those with a valid medical card have greater accessibility to cannabis products.
Regardless of where you are in Massachusetts, you can get a medical marijuana card online with Leafwell, MD. Here are our clinics:
Leafwell MD Bridgewater, Massachusetts
1050 Elm Street Bridgewater, MA, 02324
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Worcester, Massachusetts
1191 Millbury Street Worcester, MA 01607
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Chicopee, Massachusetts
672 Fuller Road Chicopee, MA, 01020
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Barrington, Massachusetts
394 Stockbridge Rd Great Barrington, MA, 01230
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Watertown, Massachusetts
23 Elm Street, Building 2, Watertown, MA 02472
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Lynn, Massachusetts
193 Oxford Street Lynn, MA 01901
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Lynn, Massachusetts
491 Lynnway, Lynn, MA 01905
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Dorchester, Massachusetts
50 Clapp Street Dorchester, MA 02125
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Arlington, Massachusetts
11 Water St. #3B (Third Floor), Arlington, MA 02476
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Brookline
1223 Beacon Street Suite A Brookline, MA 02443
207-480-3489
Leafwell MD Amherst
169 Meadow St, Amherst, MA 01002
207-480-3489
History of Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts
Here is a brief overview of the history of medical marijuana in Massachusetts:
1911 – Massachusetts became the first state to restrict cannabis and prohibited the sale of Indian Hemp without a prescription.
2008 – Massachusetts voted to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana and the law came into effect in January 2009.
2012 – Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative was voted in by 63%. Ballot Question 3, "An Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana" is approved. This means that qualifying patients, physicians, caregivers, healthcare professionals or medical marijuana dispensaries and treatment centers are not punished by the state for using, recommending or distributing marijuana for medical purposes.
2016 – Recreational marijuana is legalized with the passing of Question 4.
Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Laws
No more than 35 state-licensed dispensaries are allowed to operate in Massachusetts.
Caregiver programs exist, but patients must prove that they can either not get to a dispensary (e.g. due to proximity or for health reasons).
Marijuana cannot be used in any form in public or on federal land. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana and it is illegal to have an open container of any form of marijuana in a vehicle while on the road or in a public place. While driving, any marijuana products should be stored in a closed container in the trunk or in a locked glove compartment.
Under Massachusetts' recreational cannabis laws, adults 21 years of age or older are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana or 5 grams of concentrate outside of their residence and up to ten ounces of marijuana inside their residence. Adults may possess and cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants per resident with a maximum of 12 per household.
There is a tax of $3.50 per gram of cannabis if the owner possesses 40 g or more.
To find out more about Massachusetts medical cannabis laws, click here.
Useful Links
To find out more about getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts, get in touch with the expert Leafwell team today or use any of these verified resources below:
- Register with your PIN number for the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program
- Step by step registration instructions
- Patient Guidance from Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Apply to become a caregiver in Massachusetts
- What's legal in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts laws about marijuana
How Easy Is It to Get a Medical Card in Massachusetts
Source: https://leafwell.com/blog/how-to-get-a-massachusetts-medical-marijuana-card/