How to Get Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts

Photo via iStock.com/Smileitsmccheeze

More than three years after Massachusetts voters gave the green light to medical marijuana, Boston finally has its first metro-area dispensary. Just weeks ago, New England Treatment Access threw open the doors of its Brookline location, much to the delight of the city’s card-carrying medical marijuana patients. Here’s what you need to know to get your foot in the door.

1.

Understand what ails you before visiting a doc. Medical marijuana is reserved for “debilitating medical conditions,” such as cancer and Crohn’s disease, but doctors have discretion in defining that term.

2.

Jump online and find one of the approximately 130 physicians who are registered to prescribe marijuana in Massachusetts. Schedule an appointment.

3.

After being certified as an eligible patient, you’ll need to register online with the state’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program. Make sure you have a valid ID, a passport-like photo, and $50 for the registration fee.

4.

A temporary ID will be available for you to print, but getting the actual card will take up to two weeks.

5.

Decide if you want to designate someone as your personal caregiver, giving them the legal right to cultivate 60 days’ worth of marijuana on your behalf.

6.

If growing your own isn’t your shtick, get ready to visit a dispensary. Check ahead to see if you need to make an appointment, and don’t forget your ID card.