The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) announced this week that the annual $50 registration fee for the state Medical Use of Marijuana Program will no longer be required as of November 2, 2019.
The change is a result of the Commission’s unanimous approval of new medical cannabis regulations which are to be promulgated by Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin next month.
The Commission voted to eliminate the registration fee after receiving patient feedback, evaluating the financial impacts on the medical cannabis program, and determining its potential to offset lost revenue.
“Over the course of the regulatory drafting process, the Commission heard from many patients who described the annual registration fee as a barrier to care and we continue to take their concerns very seriously,” said Commission Chairman Steven J. Hoffman. “After increasing registration efficiency through the launch of initial Access Certification this summer, the Commission is now pleased to eliminate the $50 fee that patients historically paid each year to access their medicine, and will continue to engage with the medical community about opportunities to enhance the program.”
The $50 fee will remain in effect until October 31 for first-time patient registrations and renewals and no refunds will be issued.
While the Commission will no longer collect the $50 registration fee after November 2, a $10 charge to replace a medical cannabis card will remain.
Massachusetts residents who would like to register for the Medical Use of Marijuana Program must be diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition and certified by a qualified clinician.
Clinicians will still be permitted to charge a fee for annual certification visits.
Patients may register through the Commission’s online system or request a paper registration form by calling (833) 869-6820.
