Initial Access
Initial Access
Initial Access allows new Registered Qualifying Patients (Patients) to purchase medical-use cannabis while their registration card is being processed. Patients may receive a 14-day supply—determined to be 2.5 oz of cannabis—although a Certifying Healthcare Provider may determine a different 14-day supply.
For Patients
In order to obtain Initial Access Certification, Patients must visit a physician, certified nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who is registered in the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program. Learn more about becoming a Patient.
The Certifying Healthcare Provider will print out proof of Initial Access for the Patients. Patients may also use the patient portal to print out proof of Initial Access which will note “TEMPORARY PATIENT REGISTRATION”.
The Patients must present the Initial Access documentation and a valid government-issued ID (Massachusetts driver’s license or identification card, U.S. passport, or U.S military identification card) to purchase cannabis from a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC). The MTC will record the Patient’s information and details of the sale.
Patients are encouraged to submit their application immediately to avoid gaps in registration.
Patients must complete the full registration process online to receive a registration card. Initial Access may expire before Patients can print a temporary badge.
For Caregivers
If you are a Patient who would like to authorize a person as your temporary Caregiver, talk to your certifying physician.
Caregivers must complete the full registration process to be certified as a Personal Caregiver.
Related Information
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Cannabis Control Commission.
Attend a Public
Meeting
The Cannabis Control Commission conducts meetings and other events to keep you informed.
Subscribe to Our
Notice List
Sign up for updates from the Cannabis Control Commission.
