A certifying provider is the health care professional who certifies in writing that you have a debilitating medical condition. In Massachusetts that can be a physician, a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant who is registered with the Medical Use of Marijuana Program. The Commission publishes no list of them. This page explains who they are, what the rules limit and what the Commission tells you to do instead.
Who counts
The Commission says certifying health care providers "may include physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants that are registered with the Program." The regulation defines Certifying Healthcare Provider as a Certifying CNP, a Certifying Physician or a Certifying Physician Assistant. The physician and physician assistant definitions require a Massachusetts license.
What the Commission says about finding one
The Commission answers the question in its New Patient FAQs: "Ask your doctor or healthcare provider if they are a Certifying Health Care Provider with the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program."
In its main FAQ, the Commission adds that certifying provider privacy is protected by law. It says that while some clinicians may choose to advertise their services, the Commission is prohibited from sharing the identity of any provider who is registered with it. Patients and caregivers may do their own research to find a certifying provider.
That is why this site has no list and no recommendation. AC does not recommend any certifying provider. Be careful with any page that says it is the state list. The Commission says it does not share one.
What the rules limit
- The provider has to have a bona fide relationship with you. 935 CMR 501.010(5) allows a certification only for a Qualifying Patient with whom the provider has a Bona Fide Healthcare Provider Patient Relationship.
- A provider cannot certify themself or their immediate family members. The Commission FAQ and 935 CMR 501.010(13) both say so.
- A provider cannot serve as the personal caregiver of a patient they certified, according to the Commission FAQ.
- A provider may not examine or counsel a patient, or issue a certification, at a medical marijuana treatment center (935 CMR 501.010(12)).
- A provider cannot hand the diagnosis to someone else. 935 CMR 501.010(3) bars delegating the authority to diagnose a debilitating medical condition.
- A provider has to complete a program on the proper use of marijuana before certifying (935 CMR 501.010(1)).
What the provider does and what you do
The provider decides whether you qualify and sets the length of the certification, which the regulation says may not be less than 15 calendar days or longer than one year, with two years allowed in two listed cases. The provider also sets the price of the visit. After certification you get an email from the provider with your four-digit PIN and instructions for registering online with the Commission, which is free.
The Commission says a provider keeps their registration to certify patients indefinitely once registered, unless one of several conditions applies, such as a suspended license or a fraudulent certification.
Your move
Ask your own doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant if they are registered. If you do not have one, ask a primary care office near you. The five steps to a card are on the patient hub.
Short answers
Does the Commission publish a list of certifying providers?
No. The Commission says it is prohibited from sharing the identity of any registered provider, and tells patients to ask their own doctor or health care provider.
Who can be a certifying provider?
A registered physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The Commission says they must be registered with the Program.
Can my regular doctor certify me?
Only if they are a registered certifying provider. The Commission says to ask your doctor whether they are.
Does AC recommend a provider?
No. AC does not recommend any certifying provider. The Commission publishes no list.
More for patients
Sources
Read on October 31, 2026. The state can change its rules, so confirm on its pages before you act.
- Cannabis Control Commission, "New Patient FAQs" (read October 31, 2026)
- Cannabis Control Commission, "FAQs" (read October 31, 2026)
- Cannabis Control Commission, "Register as a New Patient" (read October 31, 2026)
- 935 CMR 501.002, definitions (read October 31, 2026)
- 935 CMR 501.010, written certification (read October 31, 2026)
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.
