These are the dates the Commission and the state law publish for the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program, in order. Dates the sources do not state are left out.
2012 to 2018
In 2012, voters approved a ballot initiative allowing medical use of cannabis for qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions(masscannabiscontrol.com).
On June 24, 2015, Alternative Therapies Group opened the state's first Marijuana Treatment Center in Salem(masscannabiscontrol.com).
In 2018, the Commission assumed jurisdiction over the Medical Use of Marijuana program from the Department of Public Health(masscannabiscontrol.com).
2024 and 2025
In 2024, the Commission made regulatory changes to expand patient access(masscannabiscontrol.com).
One 2024 change allowed patients to request a telehealth consultation with a Certifying Healthcare Provider for their initial certification(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Another 2024 change allowed nurse practitioners with independent practices, who are Certifying Healthcare Providers, to certify qualifying patients without a supervising physician(masscannabiscontrol.com).
On May 22, 2025, the most recent final license granted to a treatment center went to Native Sun Wellness, Inc., located in Hudson(masscannabiscontrol.com).
In its anniversary release, the Commission said the program serves just under 85,000 patients who access 94 treatment centers that have received notices to commence operations(masscannabiscontrol.com).
In its anniversary release, the Commission said treatment centers are licensed in every county in Massachusetts(masscannabiscontrol.com).
In its anniversary release, the Commission said just under 6,000 caregivers support those patients, plus 340 registered certifying physicians, 131 nurse practitioners, and seven physician assistants(masscannabiscontrol.com).
2026
A definition of "medical marijuana establishment" was inserted into the medical marijuana law, effective April 19, 2026(state law).
Short answers
When did Massachusetts voters approve medical marijuana?
Voters approved a ballot initiative in 2012 allowing medical use of cannabis for qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Where was the first treatment center?
The first Marijuana Treatment Center opened in Salem on June 24, 2015(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Who runs the program now?
The Commission assumed jurisdiction over the Medical Use of Marijuana program from the Department of Public Health in 2018(masscannabiscontrol.com).
How many patients are in the program?
The anniversary release from the Commission says the program serves just under 85,000 patients who access 94 treatment centers(masscannabiscontrol.com).
Advanced Dispensary in Peabody
Advanced Dispensary in Peabody is being built and has no opening date.
Sources
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "came after voters in 2012 approved a ballot initiative allowing medical use of cannabis for qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Alternative Therapies Group opened the state's first Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) in Salem on June 24, 2015."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "The Commission assumed jurisdiction over the Medical Use of Marijuana program from the Department of Public Health in 2018."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "In 2024, the Commission made regulatory changes to expand patient access"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Allowing patients to request a telehealth consultation with a Certifying Healthcare Provider for their initial certification"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Allowing nurse practitioners with independent practices, who are Certifying Healthcare Providers the authority to certify qualifying patients without a supervising physician"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "The most recent final license granted (May 22, 2025) to an MTC went to Native Sun Wellness, Inc., located in Hudson."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "The program now serves just under 85,000 patients who access 94 MTCs that have received notices to commence operations."
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "MTCs licensed in every county in Massachusetts"
- "Cannabis Control Commission, press release: Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (June 25, 2025)" (masscannabiscontrol.com, read November 5, 2026): "Just under 6,000 caregivers support those patients, plus 340 registered certifying physicians, 131 nurse practitioners, and seven physician assistants."
- "M.G.L. c. 94I, section 1 (definitions)" (malegislature.gov, read November 5, 2026): "Definition of 'Medical marijuana establishment'' inserted by 2026, 65, Sec. 43 effective April 19, 2026."
