The state of Massachusetts charges nothing to register as a medical marijuana patient or as a caregiver, and nothing to renew. Two other costs can come up: the certification visit with a provider, which the provider prices, and a $10 fee if you need a replacement card. This page lists each cost, who sets it and where the Commission says so.

The costs, side by side

As of October 31, 2026. Sources: Commission pages "Register as a New Patient", "Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" and "Register as a New Caregiver".
ItemWho sets itWhat the Commission says
Register as a patientThe CommissionNo fee
Renew as a patientThe CommissionNo fee
Register as a caregiverThe CommissionNo fee
Certification visit with a providerThe providerProviders determine their own fees
Replacement for a lost, stolen or destroyed cardThe Commission$10, and a waiver is possible for a Verified Financial Hardship

What the Commission charges

The Commission puts it plainly on the patient registration page:

"There is no longer a fee to register for a Program registration card through the Cannabis Control Commission. Certifying Health Care Providers may charge Registered Qualifying Patients a fee for annual certification visits. Providers determine their own fees."

The renewal page repeats it: "There is no longer a fee to renew your Program registration card." The caregiver page says there is no fee to register as a caregiver. The Commission also answers the question in its New Patient FAQs: all fees to obtain certification are set by the certifying provider.

What the provider charges

The visit with a certifying provider is the part that costs money, and the state does not set the price. This page does not list provider prices and does not say what any provider charges. If you want a number, ask the provider before the visit.

The regulation does speak to patients who struggle with the cost. Under 935 CMR 501.010(4), a certifying provider shall have a program to provide a discount to patients with documented Verified Financial Hardship. A provider can apply for a waiver of that requirement by showing it does not control the costs to its patients. The regulation defines Verified Financial Hardship in 935 CMR 501.002 as being a recipient of MassHealth or Supplemental Security Income, or having income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size.

If you paid a provider and want the money back, the Commission says to work directly with your provider. AC does not recommend any certifying provider.

The replacement card fee

If a card is lost, stolen or destroyed, the Commission charges $10 for a replacement. If that fee is a Verified Financial Hardship, the patient may ask for a waiver in the form and manner the Commission decides. The steps are on the replacement page.

What else comes up

Short answers

Does the state charge to register as a medical patient?

No. The Commission says there is no longer a fee to register for a Program registration card or to renew one.

Who sets the price of the certification visit?

The certifying provider does. The Commission says all fees to obtain certification are set by certifying providers. This page lists no provider prices.

What does a replacement card cost?

The Commission charges $10. A patient can ask for a waiver if the fee is a Verified Financial Hardship.

Will insurance pay for medical marijuana?

The Commission says no, medical marijuana purchases are not covered by insurance.

More for patients

Sources

Read on October 31, 2026. The state can change its rules, so confirm on its pages before you act.

This page explains how a state program works. It is not medical or legal advice, and it makes no claim about what marijuana does for any health condition. Ask a health professional about your health.

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