Benefits of Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
Theory Wellness explains the benefits and misconceptions of getting a medical marijuana card in the state of Massachusetts.
Even though adults over the age of 21 now have access to adult-use cannabis in the state of Massachusetts, it may still be beneficial to obtain your medical marijuana card. Medical card holders have specific advantages when it comes to purchasing cannabis. Here is a look at why someone would want to get their medical cannabis card in MA and the common misconceptions that often keep people from applying.
Why Get Your Medical Marijuana Card?
A lot of people assume that since recreational cannabis is now legal in MA, there are no major benefits of getting certified as a medical marijuana card holder. However, being a cardholder does bring along attractive benefits.
Save money
In Massachusetts, the state charges an excise tax, a state sales tax, and a local tax on recreational cannabis. All this adds up to about 20 percent added tax for a recreational cannabis customer. However, these taxes are waived with a medical marijuana card. Therefore, even though you do pay an annual registration fee for the medical card, you quickly recoup those costs because of what you don’t have to pay out with every purchase to cover taxes.
Access to both medical and recreational menus
Medical marijuana cardholders in Mass can order off of either recreational or medical menus. In addition, dispensaries are required by the state to set aside 35 percent of their entire inventory for medical patients. Therefore, as a cardholder, your needs take precedence over standard adult customers.
Higher purchase limits
When you obtain your medical card, you don’t have the same purchase limits as recreational customers. Medical card holders are allowed to purchase up to a 60-day supply or a maximum of 10 ounces of flower. By contrast, recreational customers may purchase only up to one ounce of flower at a time. Possession limits within a primary residence are the same for both adult and medical cannabis users: up to 10 ounces of cannabis. However, anything over an ounce does have to be kept in a locked container.
Myths About Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in MA
There are quite a few myths and misconceptions about getting a medical marijuana card in Mass. Don’t let these common misconceptions get in the way if the benefits of being a cardholder outweigh them. Some of the most commonly touted reasons for not seeking certification are listed below.
Misconception: The process is too complicated
The process to obtain a medical marijuana card in Mass is definitely not as complicated as most people expect. The most difficult part is visiting a MA Cannabis Healthcare Provider to get certified, but everything else is primarily done online. You are generally required to follow four important steps to get certified:
-
- Get certified by a Massachusetts Cannabis Healthcare Provider (many offer telehealth options!)
- Set up your account with the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP)
- Register for the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program online
- Print your temporary program ID
Take a look at a more in-depth guide from Theory Wellness on how to get your medical marijuana card, which includes a more detailed explanation of each step.
Misconception: It is hard to qualify for a medical card
As long as you are working with a good Massachusetts Cannabis Healthcare Provider, it may not be as difficult as most people think. The state does outline specific conditions that can be qualified, such as:
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- Chron’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
However, other debilitating conditions may grant you qualification if a qualified care provider outlines in writing what that condition is and why you need treatment.
Misconception: Getting a medical marijuana card is too expensive
When the medical cannabis program first started in MA, the costs were more expensive than they are today. Registrations for a medical card are free in the state of Massachusetts. However, you do have to pay for your consultation with a qualified care provider in order to obtain your certification as a patient, and you will have to see a practitioner once a year to remain certified. The general cost for the first consultation varies according to the provider you visit, but may be anywhere between $80 and $200. Annual recertification may be less depending on the provider.
Find Medical Cannabis at a Theory Wellness Dispensary
Once you have gotten your medical marijuana card, be sure to pay a visit to us at Theory Wellness. We have three medical dispensaries in the state of Massachusetts, located in Chicopee, Bridgewater, and Great Barrington. Feel free to browse the online menu ahead of time, and place a pre-order before you visit to make sure you receive the products you want. If you have any questions about which products may be a good fit for what you’re looking for, you can email us at [email protected] and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to help walk you through some options.
About Theory Wellness
Theory Wellness is a vertically integrated dispensary with a deep passion for cannabis and the role it plays in improving people’s lives. We focus on small-batch cultivation of premium genetics sourced from select breeders around the world. We use high-efficiency growing techniques that help the plant reach its full potential in bud structure, terpene profile, and bag appeal. In addition, our lab is filled with an eclectic group of passionate scientists. We produce our products using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and are constantly exploring new methods to develop our products.
Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edible Marijuana Products may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.
