Get a Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card

Congrats on getting your medical certification! You’re almost there, but there are a few more steps to complete to get a medical cannabis card in Massachusetts. Let’s dive in!

• Before You Start: What You’ll Need
  • A credit or debit card for payment
  • A valid photo ID
  • Your personal identification number (PIN) from your appointment with Leafwell
• Complete Application: Patient logs into the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program to complete the application.
• Get Temporary ID: Once reviewed, medical marijuana patients will be issued a Temporary Program ID Card (valid for 42 days) and can shop for medical marijuana in Massachusetts while they wait for the state to mail a physical card 1-2 weeks later.
• Start Shopping: With your new card and a valid photo ID (like a valid driver’s license), you can legally purchase cannabis for medical use from your designated state-licensed dispensary.

It’s easy for registered qualifying patients to renew their Massachusetts medical marijuana card with Leafwell. The process is a bit shorter than when you get a medical marijuana card for the first time in MA. To see a step-by-step explainer on renewing your medical marijuana cards in this state and to start the process, check out our MA renewal page.

Navigating the legal landscape of marijuana for medical use can be a bit tricky, but we’re here to break it down for you. Here are some key points you should be aware of if you’re a medical cannabis patient in Massachusetts:

• Medical cannabis cannot be used publicly or on federal land.
• It’s illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana or to have an open container of marijuana in a vehicle while on the road or in a public place.
• While driving, any medical cannabis products should be stored in a closed container in the trunk or a locked glove compartment.
• There is a tax of $3.50 per gram of medical cannabis if the owner possesses 40 grams or more.

If you’re looking to become a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Massachusetts, there are some important rules and steps you’ll need to follow.

Picking Up for Patients

Good news! As an adult caregiver, you can pick up medical marijuana from a dispensary on behalf of a registered patient. Handy, right?

Caregiver Limitations

An individual may not be a Personal Caregiver for more than five medical patients at once. If the patient is a minor, having a caregiver is a must.

Application Process

Personal caregivers must submit a separate application to get a medical marijuana caregiver card.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

1. Be at least 21.
2. Live in Massachusetts and have proof of residency.
3. Have a Massachusetts driver’s license or a state-issued ID card with your current address.
4. Carry their medical ID card at all times.
5. Notify the state within five days if the card is lost, stolen, or destroyed: 617-660-537.

Timing

If approved, you will receive your registration card in the mail within 10-15 business days.

Massachusetts does not offer medical marijuana reciprocity to cardholders from other states with medical programs. However, anyone 21 or older can purchase marijuana for recreational use.

That said, your MA medical card will be recognized in these other states and territories:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• Delaware
• Hawaii *
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.

Minors can have a parent or guardian become their caregiver and apply for a medical cannabis card on their behalf.

The minor must have certifications from two healthcare providers, one being a pediatrician or pediatric specialist.

Please note: Leafwell cannot certify minors in Massachusetts at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.