Age Verification

Are you 21 years of age or older?

To register as a medical marijuana patient in Massachusetts, a certifying provider has to diagnose a debilitating medical condition and certify you in writing. This page quotes the state list. It does not say what marijuana does for any condition. Your provider decides whether you qualify.

The list in the regulation

The regulation defines the term this way:

935 CMR 501.002: "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."

The list on the Commission page

The Cannabis Control Commission lists the qualifying medical conditions on its "Register as a New Patient" page this way:

Who decides

Only a certifying provider can decide that you have a debilitating medical condition. The Commission says certifying providers may include physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are registered with the program. The provider gives you a written recommendation that names your condition. After that you get a four-digit PIN by email and register online.

The state keeps no public list of certifying providers. Its own advice is to ask your doctor or health care provider if they are registered. AC does not recommend any provider.

If your condition is not on the list

The last line of both lists is "other debilitating conditions as determined in writing" by the provider. That means the list is not closed. It also means that AC cannot tell you whether your condition qualifies. Your provider can.

Age and residency

A patient has to be 18 or older. If the patient is under 18, a parent or guardian has to approve, two providers have to certify, and one of them has to be a pediatrician or pediatric specialist. Proof of Massachusetts residency is required for all patients unless the patient is receiving palliative or end-of-life care or cancer treatment in Massachusetts.

Short answers

Who decides if my condition qualifies?

A certifying provider does. The state requires a written certification from a registered physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that names your condition. AC does not decide, and AC does not recommend any provider.

What if my condition is not on the list?

The list ends with "other debilitating conditions as determined in writing" by the certifying provider. So the provider decides. Ask a provider who is registered with the program.

Can an 18 to 20 year old be a patient?

Yes. A patient has to be 18 or older. The Commission lists no separate rule for ages 18 to 20. Adult-use stores sell only to people 21 or older.

Do I have to live in Massachusetts?

As a rule, yes. The regulation also covers a person who does not live in Massachusetts but is receiving end-of-life care, palliative care or cancer treatment in the state, as the certifying provider determines.

Does AC say marijuana helps with any of these conditions?

No. AC makes no claim about what marijuana does for any health condition. This page quotes the state list and nothing more.

How do I find a certifying provider?

The state keeps no public list. Its advice is to ask your doctor or health care provider if they are a registered certifying provider.

More for patients

Sources

Read on October 24, 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.

Condiciones médicas calificadas en Massachusetts