Here’s the good news, if you reside in Massachusetts and have a qualifying medical condition, you’re eligible to apply for your medical marijuana card! See below for Massachusetts accepted proof of residency and qualifying medical conditions.

Accepted Proofs of Residency in Massachusetts

There are the nine ways to prove that you are a resident of Massachusetts when applying for your medical marijuana card. All of the following are accepted:

• Utility Bill (less than 60 days old)
• Current MA Motor Vehicle Registration
• Tuition Bill (less than 60 days old)
• U.S. Marriage Certificate (dated within the past six months)
• Property Tax or Excise Tax Bill
• First Class Mail from Federal or State Agency (less than 60 days old)
• Car Insurance Policy or Bill (less than 60 days old)
• Current MA-issued Professional License
• Mortgage, Lease, or Loan (dated within the past six months)

Qualifying Conditions

To receive your medical marijuana card, you must experience a qualifying medical condition as determined by the Commonwealth. All of the following conditions are accepted:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Or other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a patient’s certified
  physician.

The second step is to receive a recommendation from a certified physician. When having a conversation with your doctor about medical marijuana, honesty is important. Be clear about your current health situation and circumstances, and explain why you believe medical marijuana will be a beneficial treatment for you. If your doctor agrees that medical marijuana could be a solution for your qualifying condition, your doctor will give you a written recommendation to receive your medical marijuana card. Next, the doctor will submit an electronic patient certification to the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program. Doctors who have not yet signed up with the program can do so by following these instructions. Note: If your doctor is unwilling to give you a medical marijuana recommendation, please contact us for further assistance. Access a list of local doctors to help you get the right medical cannabis treatment for you.

Are you a doctor? Click below to follow the program instructions so you can qualify patients for medical marijuana.

After your recommending physician grants your certification, you’ll receive an email containing a unique 4-digit PIN and instructions for completing your online patient application. The process for registering online includes two parts:

Are you a doctor? Click below to follow the program instructions so you can qualify patients for medical marijuana.

Part One: Mass.Gov Virtual Gateway

In the Virtual Gateway, you’ll be asked to create an account and scan your photo ID. After doing this, you’ll receive a confirmation email which allows you to set up your patient account. To start the process on the MA Virtual Gateway, click here.

Part Two: Medical Use of Marijuana Online System

Here, please follow the requested instructions:

• Upload your photo ID and your current Passport-style photo. These photos will be used
  on your new MMJ Card. If your current photo is in the Massachusetts RMV database, you’ll
  be able to use and upload it through their online portal. If uploading your own photo,
  click “Browse” > “Select File” > “Proceed” and complete the upload.
• Pay the $50 application fee or submit proof of low-income status to request a
  waiver.
• Review your application to ensure all of the information you’ve provided is
  correct.
• Submit your application and wait for approval. If you need more information, click
  here for a step-by-step guide created by the Commonwealth itself.

Please note that a paper application option is available for patients who cannot use the online system. You may obtain a paper application by calling (617) 660-5370. Be advised that paper applications typically have a longer processing time than those submitted electronically.

Part Two: Medical Use of Marijuana Online System

• Massachusetts driver’s license
• Massachusetts ID card (with a photograph of yourself)
• U.S. passport and another document that proves your Massachusetts residency;
• U.S. military ID and another document that proves your Massachusetts residency

Prefer Paper?

If you can’t access the online system, don’t worry. Call (617)-660-5370
to get access to a paper application. Note – most paper applications take longer to process
than those created electronically.

Congratulations! You’re on your way to getting the treatment you deserve, and NEA has you covered. If you’ve been approved, you’ll receive a temporary printable version of your Massachusetts medical marijuana card. This emporary card will enable you to begin shopping at dispensaries such as NEA. You’ll receive your official card when it is ready. Be sure to keep your card handy, because as soon as you receive it, you’ll need it to continue making medical marijuana purchases. Feel free to visit us at our Fall River location during business hours. We’d love to show you around our dispensary. You can also save time during your first visit by clicking here to pre-register.

Additional Resources

Getting your medical marijuana card can feel like a daunting process, but we at NEA want to make it as simple as possible. Here are a few moreWP resources to help you navigate the process:

Complete Online Registration

Instructions for Physicians in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program
Website