To get a Massachusetts medical marijuana card, a registered certifying provider certifies you, then you register with the Cannabis Control Commission. This guide walks through each step, then the documents, cost, renewal, caregivers and where the card works.
Who runs the program
The Medical Use of Marijuana Program is run by the Cannabis Control Commission, and it lets registered patients and their personal caregivers get marijuana from licensed treatment centers(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Who can apply
A Qualifying Patient includes a Massachusetts Resident who is 18 years of age or older and has been diagnosed by a Certifying Healthcare Provider as having a Debilitating Medical Condition(law.cornell.edu).
Someone who lives outside Massachusetts can also qualify if they are receiving end-of-life care, palliative care or cancer treatment in Massachusetts, as a certifying provider determines(law.cornell.edu).
A Qualifying Patient younger than 18 years old may receive a Written Certification after diagnosis by two Massachusetts licensed Certifying Physicians, at least one of whom is a board certified pediatrician, pediatric subspecialist, oncologist, neurologist, or family physician, with a debilitating Life limiting Illness(law.cornell.edu).
A Qualifying Patient younger than 18 years old must have a designated Personal Caregiver, who must be his or her parent or legal guardian(law.cornell.edu).
A parent or legal guardian must also give written permission for the child to register(law.cornell.edu).
The conditions the regulation names
This is the regulation's definition:
Debilitating Medical Condition means cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS), when such diseases are debilitating, and other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a Qualifying Patient's healthcare provider.
Under the regulation, those diseases count only when they are debilitating, and other debilitating conditions count if the patient's healthcare provider determines them in writing(law.cornell.edu).
The state law allows only conditions named in the statute or determined in writing by a registered healthcare professional(malegislature.gov).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify Check the age, residency and condition rules in the Who can apply section. A patient under 18 has extra rules there.
- See a registered certifying provider Only a registered certifying provider can certify you. See the section on finding one.
- Get your PIN If you are certified, the provider emails you a PIN and instructions to finish applying.
- Register with the Commission Apply online if you can. Have your PIN, ID and proof of address ready.
- Get your card and carry it Print the temporary card once approved. Show your card and ID at a treatment center.
- Renew every year Renew before the card expires, and keep your certification valid.
Seeing a certifying provider
Only physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants registered with the program may be certifying providers(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A certifying provider is prohibited from examining or counseling you, or issuing a certification, at a treatment center(law.cornell.edu).
A certifying provider is prohibited from issuing a certification for themselves or for their immediate family members(law.cornell.edu).
For a first card, the visit has to be in person or, if you ask, a telehealth visit with a live face-to-face encounter between you and the provider(law.cornell.edu).
Your PIN and registering
After you are certified, the provider emails you a four-digit PIN and instructions on how to complete your patient application online(masscannabiscontrol.com).
The Commission says applying through the online system is the fastest and easiest way to register as a patient(masscannabiscontrol.com).
You can register by mail, but the Commission says processing times for paper applications are considerably longer(masscannabiscontrol.com).
After approval, you can print a temporary card from the patient portal, which allows you to purchase medical marijuana at a treatment center while your hard copy card is in the mail(masscannabiscontrol.com).
The Commission says you should receive your official card within one to three weeks(masscannabiscontrol.com).
What you need to register
Acceptable ID includes a current Massachusetts driver's license, a Massachusetts ID card with a photograph, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID or a Permanent Resident Card(masscannabiscontrol.com).
You must also submit a document that validates your primary residence, and the name and address on it must match your registration(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A utility bill less than 60 days old is one document the Commission accepts(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A home mortgage, lease or loan contract is accepted only if it is less than six months old(masscannabiscontrol.com).
If you are not using a Massachusetts driver's license or ID card, you need a passport-style photograph of yourself(masscannabiscontrol.com).
That photo must be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background, and within the last six months(masscannabiscontrol.com).
What it costs
There is no fee to register for a Program registration card through the Commission(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Providers determine their own fees for the certification visit(masscannabiscontrol.com).
The fee to replace a lost, stolen or destroyed card is $10(masscannabiscontrol.com).
If that fee poses a Verified Financial Hardship, you may request a waiver(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A certifying provider must have a program to provide a discount to patients with documented Verified Financial Hardship(law.cornell.edu).
Finding a certifying provider
You must ask your doctor or healthcare provider whether they are a certifying provider in the program(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Advanced Cultivators does not recommend any provider.
Using your card
To buy medical marijuana you must have an active certification from your provider and an active registration with the program(masscannabiscontrol.com).
At a treatment center, you must present your registration card and a valid form of identification(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A registered patient must carry the registration card at all times while in possession of medical-use marijuana(law.cornell.edu).
The most medical marijuana Patients may possess at one time is a 60-day supply, or up to 10 ounces, and a Certifying Health Care Provider may deem a larger quantity medically necessary(masscannabiscontrol.com).
If your details change, you must tell the Commission within five business days(law.cornell.edu).
Before your card arrives
Initial Access lets a newly certified patient buy a 14-day supply, up to 2.5 ounces, from a treatment center(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A temporary registration card expires 14 days after it is issued or when you receive your annual card, whichever occurs first(law.cornell.edu).
A patient is limited to one 14-day temporary registration during any 365-day period, unless the Commission approves otherwise(law.cornell.edu).
Renewal and how long certification lasts
You must renew your registration every year, and the card expires on the anniversary of your registration(masscannabiscontrol.com).
You can renew your registration up to 60 days before the expiration date(masscannabiscontrol.com).
There is no fee to renew your registration card with the Commission(masscannabiscontrol.com).
If your certification has expired, you must get re-certified by your provider before renewing your registration(masscannabiscontrol.com).
After a renewal, you will receive a new card in the mail within 10 to 14 business days(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Your certification states the time period it is valid, which may not be less than 15 calendar days or longer than one year, except in listed circumstances when it may be valid for two years(law.cornell.edu).
A certification may be valid for two years if the patient receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income(law.cornell.edu).
A certification may also be valid for two years if a provider diagnoses a terminal illness or permanent disability after an in-person visit(law.cornell.edu).
Personal caregivers
A personal caregiver is a person registered by the Commission who is 21 or older, agrees to assist with your medical use of marijuana, and is not your certifying provider(law.cornell.edu).
A patient may designate up to two personal caregivers(law.cornell.edu).
A person may serve as a caregiver for no more than five patients at one time, with the exceptions the regulation sets(law.cornell.edu).
A caregiver must be granted a registration card before serving as a caregiver(law.cornell.edu).
There is no fee to register as a caregiver(masscannabiscontrol.com).
A caregiver must carry a registration card at all times while in possession of marijuana(law.cornell.edu).
Personal caregivers must renew their registration every year(masscannabiscontrol.com).
If you change caregivers, the new caregiver must apply for a registration card and the old caregiver must surrender theirs(masscannabiscontrol.com).
If you do not live in Massachusetts
Only registered patients who live in Massachusetts, or their caregivers, can buy medical marijuana in the state(masscannabiscontrol.com).
When you register, you attest that the protections for medical use apply only within Massachusetts(law.cornell.edu).
Where you buy
The Commission lets you search for licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and adult-use establishments across Massachusetts(masscannabiscontrol.com).
In Spanish
The Commission publishes the patient registration form in a Spanish translation(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Short answers
Do I need a card to buy at a store?
At a treatment center you must present your registration card and a valid ID(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Can adults 21 and older buy without a card?
The Commission says you must be 21 or older to purchase, with possible exclusions for the medical program(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Is my registration public?
No. Individual names and other identifying information are not subject to disclosure, except to Commission employees on duty, treatment centers that dispense and law enforcement officials in an investigation(malegislature.gov).
Can I get certified by telehealth?
For a first card, the visit must be in person or, if you ask, a telehealth visit with a live face-to-face encounter(law.cornell.edu).
Can I register without a Massachusetts license?
Yes, but if you do not use a Massachusetts driver's license or ID card, you need a passport-style photograph(masscannabiscontrol.com).
What if my certification expires?
You must get re-certified by your provider before you can renew your registration(masscannabiscontrol.com).
How early can I renew?
You can renew up to 60 days before the expiration date(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Can a visitor from another state buy?
A visitor must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued ID to buy from an adult-use establishment in Massachusetts(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Can a caregiver register for free?
Yes, there is no fee to register as a caregiver(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Can my doctor certify me if I am a family member of theirs?
No. A certifying provider is prohibited from issuing a certification for themselves or their immediate family members(law.cornell.edu).
Sources
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Patients and Caregivers" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "The Medical Use of Marijuana Program, administered by the Cannabis Control Commission, allows Registered Qualifying Patients with certain medical conditions and their Personal Caregivers to legally obtain marijuana from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs) for the Patient's medical use."
- "935 CMR 501.002, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "a Massachusetts Resident or a non-Massachusetts Resident receiving end-of-life or palliative care or cancer treatment in Massachusetts as determined by a Certifying Healthcare Provider, who is 18 years of age or older who has been diagnosed by a Certifying Healthcare Provider as having a Debilitating Medical Condition"
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A Qualifying Patient who is younger than 18 years old and has been diagnosed by two Massachusetts licensed Certifying Physicians, at least one of whom is a board certified pediatrician, pediatric subspecialist, oncologist, neurologist, or family physician, with a debilitating Life-limiting Illness, may receive a Written Certification"
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "If the Qualifying Patient is younger than 18 years old, that Qualifying Patient shall have a designated Personal Caregiver, who shall be his or her parent or legal guardian"
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "an attestation from a parent or legal guardian granting permission for the child to register with the Commission"
- "935 CMR 501.002, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "Debilitating Medical Condition means cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS), when such diseases are debilitating, and other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a Qualifying Patient's healthcare provider."
- "M.G.L. c. 94I, section 1" (malegislature.gov, read November 5, 2026): "multiple sclerosis and other conditions as determined in writing by a registered qualifying patient's registered healthcare professional"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Certifying Health Care Providers may include physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants that are registered with the Program."
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "Examine or counsel a patient, or issue a Written Certification, at an MTC"
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A Certifying Healthcare Provider may not issue a Written Certification for himself or herself or for his or her Immediate Family Members."
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "a Clinical Visit for issuing an initial Certificate of Registration must be conducted in-person or, upon request of the patient, via a telehealth visit that includes a synchronous face-to-face encounter between the Certifying Healthcare provider and patient"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Once you've been certified by your Certifying Health Care Provider, you'll receive an email from the Provider that includes your four-digit PIN registration number, as well as instructions on how to complete your patient application online."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Applying through the Medical Use of Marijuana Program Online System (Online System) is the fastest and easiest way to register as a patient."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You may register by mail, however, please note that the processing times for paper applications are considerably longer."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "If your application is approved, you will be able to print a temporary version of your Program registration card under the Home tab on the patient portal, which allows you to purchase medical marijuana from a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) while awaiting the arrival of your hard copy card in the mail."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You should receive your official card within one to three weeks."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Acceptable forms of ID include ... Permanent Resident Card"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You must also submit a document that validates your primary residence. The name and address on the document must match the information submitted during registration."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Utility bill (gas, electric, telephone, cable, or heating oil) less than 60 days old"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Home mortgage, lease, or loan contracts less than six months old"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "If not using a Massachusetts driver's license or ID card, you'll need a passport-style photograph of yourself."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "The photo must be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background. It must have been taken within the last six months."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "There is no longer a fee to register for a Program registration card through the Cannabis Control Commission."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, New Patient FAQs" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "All fees to obtain certification are set by Certifying Health Care Providers."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "If your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the fee to replace a Program registration card is $10."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "If the fee poses a Verified Financial Hardship, the Qualifying Patient may request a waiver of the fee in a form and manner determined by the Commission."
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A Certifying Healthcare Provider shall have a program to provide a discount to patients with documented Verified Financial Hardship."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, New Patient FAQs" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Ask your doctor or healthcare provider if they are a Certifying Health Care Provider with the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You must maintain an active certification from your Certifying Health Care Provider, as well as an active registration with the Program, in order to purchase medical marijuana under Massachusetts law."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Upon entrance at an MTC, simply present your Program registration card and a valid form of identification and follow all directions for purchase."
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A Registered Qualifying Patient shall carry his or her Registration Card at all times while in possession of medical-use Marijuana or MIPs."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "The maximum amount medical marijuana Patients may possess at one time is a 60-day supply, or up to 10 ounces. A Certifying Health Care Provider may deem a larger quantity medically necessary."
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "a Qualifying Patient is responsible for notifying the Commission, in a form and manner determined by the Commission, within five business days after any change to the information that he or she was previously required to submit to the Commission"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Initial Access allows Qualifying Patients to purchase a 14-day supply (up to 2.5 ounces) of medical-use cannabis and cannabis-infused products from an MTC."
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A temporary Registration Card shall expire either 14 days after the issuance of the temporary Registration Card or on the issuance and receipt of an annual Registration Card, whichever occurs first"
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A patient is limited to one 14-day temporary registration during any 365-day period, unless otherwise approved by the Commission"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You must renew your registration every year. Your Program registration card expires each year on the Anniversary of your Program registration."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You can renew your registration up to 60 days before the expiration date."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "There is no longer a fee to renew your Program registration card through the Cannabis Control Commission."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "If your medical certification has expired, you must call your Certifying Health Care Provider to get re-certified prior to renewing your registration."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You will receive a new registration card in the mail within 10-14 business days of successfully renewing your registration."
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A certification shall indicate the time period for which the certification is valid, and may not be less than 15 calendar days or longer than one year, except that in the following circumstances, the certification may be valid for two years"
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "the certification may be valid for two years ... receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income"
- "935 CMR 501.010, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "diagnoses a Qualifying Patient after an in-person Clinical Visit with a terminal illness, or permanent disability and certifies the patient for two years"
- "935 CMR 501.002, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "a person, registered by the Commission, who shall be 21 years of age or older, who has agreed to assist with a Registered Qualifying Patient's medical use of Marijuana, and is not the Registered Qualifying Patient's Certifying Healthcare Provider"
- "935 CMR 501.020, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A Registered Qualifying Patient may designate up to two Personal Caregivers."
- "935 CMR 501.020, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "an individual may not serve as a Personal Caregiver for more than five Registered Qualifying Patient at one time"
- "935 CMR 501.020, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "An individual shall be granted a temporary or an annual Registration Card prior to serving as a Personal Caregiver for any Registered Qualifying Patient."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Caregiver" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "There is no fee to register as a caregiver for a Medical Marijuana Program registration card through the Cannabis Control Commission."
- "935 CMR 501.020, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "A Personal Caregiver shall carry his or her temporary or annual Registration Card at all times while in possession of Marijuana."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Renew as a Registered Qualifying Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Personal Caregivers must renew their registration annually with the Program."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, New Patient FAQs" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Your new Caregiver will need to apply for a registration card and your old Caregiver will have to surrender their registration card."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Know the Laws" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Out-of-state residents cannot purchase medical marijuana in Massachusetts. Only Registered Qualifying Patients who are residents of Massachusetts or their Caregivers are allowed to purchase medical marijuana."
- "935 CMR 501.015, Cornell Legal Information Institute" (law.cornell.edu, read November 5, 2026): "protections conferred by M.G.L. c. 941, for possession of Marijuana for medical use are applicable only within Massachusetts"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Where to Buy" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Search for licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs) and adult-use Marijuana Establishments (MEs), including delivery businesses, throughout Massachusetts."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Register as a New Patient" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Programa de Uso Medicinal del Cannabis: Formulario de registro del paciente (Medical Use of Marijuana Program: Patient Registration Form, Spanish Translation)"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Where to Buy" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "You must be 21 years old or older to purchase cannabis and cannabis-infused products. There may be exclusions for the Medical Use of Marijuana Program."
- "M.G.L. c. 94I, section 3" (malegislature.gov, read November 5, 2026): "not subject to disclosure, except to employees of the commission in the course of their official duties, medical marijuana treatment centers to facilitate dispensing of medical use marijuana and to state or local law enforcement officials for the purposes of conducting an investigation"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, Know the Laws" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "If you're visiting from another state, you must be 21 years or older and present a valid government-issued ID to purchase cannabis or cannabis-based products from an adult-use Marijuana Establishment in Massachusetts."
