Law Enforcement of Medical Use of Marijuana
Law Enforcement of Medical Use of Marijuana
Learn about what law enforcement officers need to know about the medical use of marijuana.
Eligibility
Registered Qualifying Patients (Patients) and Registered Caregivers may possess a 60-day supply of marijuana with the certification of a Massachusetts licensed Certifying Healthcare Provider.
A Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) agent may possess marijuana on behalf of the MTC that they are employed with. There is no limit to the amount of marijuana an MTC agent can possess on behalf of an MTC.
When transporting marijuana outside of an MTC to an approved location, the agent must possess a shipping manifest that indicates the amount of marijuana to be transported to approved locations. Approved locations include:
- Another MTC.
- A testing laboratory.
- The primary residence of a Patient or Caregiver.
- A destruction or disposal site in compliance with the Commission’s medical use of marijuana regulations.
60-Day Supply
The Commission has defined a 60-day supply of marijuana to be 10 ounces or the equivalent in other forms, such as edible marijuana-infused products.
To determine the equivalent amount of a 60-day supply of marijuana concentrate (oil) and resin (hash), multiply the weight of the oil or resin by 6.7 to determine the dry weight equivalent.
| Amount of Resin-Concentrate | Constant 6.7 (1÷.15) | Equivalent to Marijuana Plant Material |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 oz. | x 6.7 | 12 oz. |
| 1.5 oz. | x 6.7 | 10 oz. |
| 1.2 oz. | x 6.7 | 8 oz. |
| .9 oz. | x 6.7 | 6 oz. |
| .6 oz. | x 6.7 | 4 oz. |
Home Cultivation
Patients may apply for a Hardship Cultivation Registration, which allows the Patient or the Patient’s designated Personal Caregiver(s) to cultivate marijuana at home for the Patient’s own use.
Patients or their Caregivers may cultivate a limited number of plants sufficient to maintain a 60-day supply of marijuana solely for the Patient’s use.
Marijuana must be cultivated and stored in an enclosed, locked area accessible only to the Patient or their Caregiver(s). Marijuana cannot be visible from the street or other public areas, and may be cultivated only at the location specified in the application approved by the Commission.
Registration Identification
Registration Cards
Patients, Caregivers, and MTC agents must carry a Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program registration card at all times while in possession of marijuana for medical use. Registration cards are valid for one year and must be renewed annually by the cardholder.
Sample Registration Cards
Temporary Cards
A temporary registration card may be printed by the Patient, Caregiver, or MTC agent at the time of registration. The temporary paper card expires four weeks from the date the registration is approved by the Medical Use of Marijuana Program, at which time the registrant should have received a plastic registration card.
If the registrant does not receive their plastic registration card within four (4) weeks from the date of registration, it does not affect their status as an “active registrant” in CJIS. The registrant should contact the Commission at (833) 869-6820 to inquire about their registration card.
Initial Access
While Patients and Caregivers are waiting for registrations to be processed and approved, they may be qualified to obtain Initial Access Certification (Initial Access) from their Certifying Healthcare Provider.
Initial Access allows Patients and Caregivers to immediately enter an MTC and purchase medical use marijuana.
Initial Access expires 14 days after the date of issue or when the recipient is approved for a registration card by the Commission.
If the recipient has been approved for the Program but has not received their registration card by the time Initial Access expires, they may print a temporary card through the Medical Use of Marijuana Online System (Online System).
Learn more about Initial Access.
Accessing Information
Law enforcement officers can access the Online System through their existing accounts with the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
The Online System allows the following:
- Law enforcement officers can verify registration information about Patients, Caregivers, and Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) agents
- Certifying Healthcare Providers can provide certifications to Patients for the medical use of marijuana
- Certifying Healthcare Providers, Patients, Caregivers, and MTC agents can register with the Program
- MTCs can track dispensing activity and verify Patient and Caregiver registrations
Law enforcement officers may access the following information about Patients and Caregivers through the Online System:
- Name
- Registration number
- Registration type (Patient or Caregiver)
- Photo of the registrant
- Registrant’s status (“Active” or “Inactive”)
- The maximum amount of marijuana the registrant is allowed to possess
The following information about MTC agents is available through the Online System:
- Name
- Registration number
- Agent’s photo
- Name and address of the MTC where the agent works
- Agent’s status (“Active” or “Inactive”)
To initiate a request for information that’s not provided by CJIS, law enforcement officers may contact the Commission at (833) 869-6820. Please have the following information available:
- Name and title of law enforcement officer
- Name of the law enforcement agency
- Contact information for the law enforcement officer
- Description of request for information
- Name and Program registration number (if available) of the subject of the inquiry
No information will be provided to the law enforcement officer until the Commission has verified that the request is made pursuant to a legitimate law enforcement inquiry and that information requested may be appropriately disclosed.
Please do not send confidential information, including name, address, or Social Security Number, via email.
Verifying Information
There are two methods that a law enforcement official may use to review and verify information about a Patient, Caregiver, or MTC agent.
If a registrant presents their Medical Use of Marijuana registration card, the law enforcement officer can enter the registration number and registrant’s last name into the Online System.
If a registrant does not present an official registration card, the officer may enter the registrant’s full name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and registration type (Caregiver, Patient, or MTC agent) into the system.
If the individual is designated “Active” in the system, the registrant may possess marijuana for medical purposes. If the individual is listed as “Inactive,” the registrant may not possess marijuana for medical purposes.
For More Information
View this Guidance Document for more information about compliance and enforcement.
Questions about compliance? Contact the Commission at (774) 415-0200 or Commission@CCCMass.com.
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Meeting
The Cannabis Control Commission conducts meetings and other events to keep you informed.
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Notice List
Sign up for updates from the Cannabis Control Commission.
