Bulletin | Medical use of Marijuana Program Telehealth Consultations | December 30, 2023

To: Certifying Healthcare Providers, Qualifying Patients, and Registered Qualifying Patients
From: Debra Hilton-Creek, Acting Executive Director
Date: December 30, 2023
Subject: Medical use of Marijuana Program Telehealth Consultations

This bulletin will remain in effect until such time as the Commission promulgates the regulatory amendments relative to telehealth consultation for patients approved at the December 14, 2023 public meeting, unless otherwise rescinded or amended.

On December 31, 2023, the Bulletin | Reissued Order Allowing for Telehealth Consultations for Patients | February 10, 2023 (“Order”) expires. In anticipation of this expiration, the Cannabis Control Commission (“Commission”) voted at its December 14, 2023 to extend all waivers granted in accordance with the Order, allowing for continued telehealth consultations for Medical use of Marijuana Program patients until further regulatory revision.

FAQs:

What does this mean if I am a Certifying Healthcare Provider with an approved waiver?
All waivers granted pursuant to the Order have been extended until such time as the Commission modifies its regulations. This means Certifying Healthcare Providers (“Providers”) with a valid waiver may continue conducting initial Clinical Visits to Qualifying Patients via telehealth.
Commission regulations already allows for Providers to issue renewal Written Certifications via telehealth means.¹

What does this mean if I am a Certifying Healthcare Provider without an approved waiver?
Providers who do not possess an approved waiver granted pursuant to the Order, and now wish to see Qualifying Patients via telehealth for their initial Clinical Visit, you may apply for a waiver. Please note, waivers will be reviewed pursuant to 935 CMR 501.850.

What does this mean if I am Qualifying Patient seeking initial registration?
If you are seeking your initial Certification of Registration, you may have your Clinical Visit in-person, or with a Provider with a waiver granted pursuant to the Order.

What does this mean if I am a Registered Qualifying Patient seeking renewal registration?
Pursuant to 935 CMR 501.010 Registered Qualifying Patients may seek renewal of their Certification of Registration via in person or telehealth. The Commission’s December 14, 2023 vote has no impact to this regulatory provision.

Patients, Caregivers, or Providers with questions may reach out to the Commission at 774-415-0200 or Commission@CCCMass.com.

References:

Commission February 10, 2022 Bulletin: Reissued Order Allowing for Telehealth Consultations for Patients, available at https://masscannabiscontrol.com/2023/02/reissued-order-allowing-for-telehealth-consultations-for-patients-february2023/

Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Regulations, available
at https://masscannabiscontrol.com/state-local-government/law-enforcement/laws-and-regulations/

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¹ 935 CMR 501.010