A registered personal caregiver can pick up medical marijuana at a dispensary for a registered patient. The rules limit who the caregiver can be, how many patients they can serve, how much they can buy and what they do with it. This page lists each limit with the Commission page or regulation behind it.

What a caregiver can do

The Commission lists these as a Personal Caregiver's responsibilities:

What a caregiver cannot do

The limits on numbers

As of October 31, 2026.
LimitWhat the Commission says
AgeThe caregiver must be 21 years of age or older
Patients per caregiverUp to five patients at one time under 935 CMR 501.020(5); more needs a waiver under 935 CMR 501.850
Caregivers per patientA patient may designate up to two Personal Caregivers
How muchNo more than the patient's 60-day supply (935 CMR 501.140(4)(c))
Provider as caregiverA certifying provider cannot be the personal caregiver for a patient they certified

A personal caregiver may serve up to five registered patients at one time, under 935 CMR 501.020(5). A caregiver who wants to serve more than five must seek a waiver under 935 CMR 501.850. The limit does not apply to a visiting nurse, home health aide, personal care attendant or an immediate family member of more than one patient. As a side note, the Commission's renewal page for caregivers uses older wording that says one patient at one time; the regulation text above is what this page follows.

At the counter

935 CMR 501.140(2) has the center inspect the caregiver's registration card (temporary or annual) and government-issued photo ID, and the center may dispense only to a patient with a current valid certification, or to their caregiver. The caregiver carries their own registration card whenever they have marijuana, according to the Commission. A caregiver can be authorized as a temporary caregiver during a patient's Initial Access, using the form the provider generates.

Both the caregiver and the patient must keep an active registration, and the patient must keep an active certification, for the caregiver to be protected under Massachusetts law, the Commission says. To register as a caregiver, see the step by step page.

Short answers

Can a caregiver buy for more than one patient?

Yes, up to five registered patients at one time under 935 CMR 501.020(5). Serving more than five needs a waiver under 935 CMR 501.850.

Does the caregiver need a card?

Yes. The caregiver must register with the Commission and carry the registration card whenever they have marijuana.

Can a caregiver be paid?

No. The Commission says a person may not receive payment or other compensation for serving as a personal caregiver, with a regular wage exception for listed care workers.

Can a caregiver buy more than the patient's limit?

No. A treatment center may not sell more than the patient's 60-day supply.

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.

Age Verification

Are you 21 years of age or older?