Cannabis Control Commission to Eliminate Patient Registration and Renewal Fees Beginning November 1

BOSTON—Starting November 1, certifying patients who register through Massachusetts’ Medical Use of Marijuana Program will no longer be required to pay a $50 annual registration or renewal fee, the Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) announced Tuesday.

The change comes after the Commission unanimously approved new medical use of marijuana regulations which are slated to be promulgated by the Secretary of State in November. The Commission voted to eliminate the patient registration and renewal fee after receiving feedback from patients, evaluating financial impacts to the program, and identifying its ability 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,” Commission Chairman Steven J. Hoffman said. “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.”

Through October 31, the $50 fee will continue to apply to patient registrations and renewals and no refunds will be issued. The Commission’s $10 fee to replace a registration card will remain in place after November 1.

To register for the Medical Use of Marijuana Program, individuals are certified by a qualified clinician and certification is provided after the patient is diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition. Clinicians may continue to charge patients a fee for annual certification visits.

Program registration is open to patients through the Commission’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program Online system. A paper registration process is also available to those who cannot register online and call (833) 869-6820 to request a form.

More information about the patient registration and renewal processes is available through the Patient Guidance for Medical Use of Marijuana Program Registration and Patient Registration Renewal Online Instructions. Detailed instructions can be found on the Medical Use of Marijuana Program website.

For additional information, please contact the Commission at MedicalMarijuana@State.MA.US or call (833) 869-6820.

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