Patient Questions

 How do I get a Massachusetts medical marijuana card and make purchases?

If you’re a Massachusetts resident with a qualifying medical condition, you may sign up for the program. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to get your card.

 What are the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Massachusetts?

Qualifying medical conditions in Massachusetts, as determined by State Regulations, include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s certifying physician.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to get your card.

 What should I do if my doctor won’t recommend for me?

If you’ve discussed medical marijuana with your doctor and you were unable to obtain a recommendation, send us a message or give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist you with a doctor referral.

 Are doctors required to make determinations about appropriate dosage?

No. Program rules already limit the patients allowable supply. Dispensary staff assist patients in understanding dosage and product characteristics. The physician’s responsibility is to determine whether or not to issue the marijuana for medical use recommendation except in limited circumstances whereby a physician may determine that a patient needs more than the allowable supply.

 I have a medical marijuana recommendation from another state. Can I use it to purchase medicine in Massachusetts?

Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not accepted in Massachusetts, however adults age 21 and older may purchase at our Lowell dispensary beginning March 16th. 

 How much medical marijuana are patients allowed to purchase?

MA law allows a qualifying patient to possess up to a 60-day supply of marijuana for his or her personal medical use. The regulations define a 60-day supply as up to 10 ounces.

 What discounts do you offer?

Patriot Care has instituted several discount programs that will be offered to all certified medical patients who meet the following criteria.

1. Senior Discount: A 15% discount on all purchases by senior citizens (65+)- Qualifies with valid Massachusetts issued ID
2. Military Veteran Discount: A 15% discount on purchases- Qualifies with valid Massachusetts issued ID and a valid Military Identification Card.
3. Low Income Discount: A 15% discount on purchases dependent on extent of need- Qualifies with valid Massachusetts issued ID and either Medicaid Card, SSI letter, or other proof of low-income status.
4. Terminally Ill Discount: A 20% discount on purchases and in some cases, complimentary products and treatments. This discount requires a valid Massachusetts issued ID and signed note from treating physician in an ongoing relationship with the patient.

 How do I prove residency for medical marijuana in Massachusetts?

When applying for your Massachusetts medical marijuana card, you will need to provide proof of Massachusetts residency. You may use a Massachusetts driver’s license or Massachusetts ID, provided that the name and address listed on your card match the information included in your patient application.

If you don’t have a Massachusetts ID, you may use a U.S. passport or U.S. military ID, but you must also include one additional proof of Massachusetts residency. Any of the following items will be accepted:

1. Utility Bill (less than 60 days old)
2. Current MA Motor Vehicle Registration
3. Tuition Bill (less than 60 days old)
4. U.S. Marriage Certificate (dated within past 6 months)
5. Property Tax or Excise Tax Bill
6. First Class Mail from Federal or State Agency (less than 60 days old)
7. Car Insurance Policy or Bill (less than 60 days old)
8. Current MA-issued Professional License
9. Mortgage, Lease, or Loan (dated within past 6 months)

 General Questions

 Where does the marijuana come from?

All medical marijuana at Patriot Care is produced in Massachusetts at a licensed cultivation center. All licensed cultivation centers in MA are carefully regulated by the MA Department of Public Health and must follow strict guidelines to ensure product safety. Dispensaries may not acquire marijuana products from any source other than the licensed and regulated facilities.

 Do you have any employment opportunities available?

Thanks for your interest. Click here for information about current opportunities.

For additional information about employment in the medical marijuana field, please check out this article in our blog, which includes tips and strategies for job seekers. Thanks for your interest.

 Do you offer internships?

We are not currently offering internships.

 Dispensary Questions

 I’ve never been to a medical marijuana dispensary. How does it work?

A medical marijuana dispensary is a simple, secure facility designed to provide access for patients to receive their medicine in a safe, welcoming environment. Qualified patients or their caregivers must present their state-issued ID cards at the door. No one else is permitted to enter the establishment other than registered employees attending to the facility. Once inside, patients are greeted by a friendly staff who are trained to answer questions about the medicine and helps the patient make decisions based on the patient’s individual health needs. The patient or caregiver then makes their selection, purchases the medicine, and exits. Security staff monitor events inside and outside the facility.

 Why should I choose Patriot Care as my dispensary?

• Quality: We’re proud to be a dispensary in Massachusetts that’s also licensed to grow medical marijuana, which enables us to offer the best variety of products and carefully control the quality of our medicine.
• Pricing: We believe patients deserve affordable medicine and we’re committed to offering the best prices available in the State. In addition to our low retail prices, we will offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and low-income patients.
• Comfort: Our facilities were carefully designed to create a comfortable experience for our visitors. Our dispensaries will feature wide halls, cozy seating, beautiful plants and art, spacious restrooms, and wheelchair accessibility.
• Customer Service: Our staff is friendly, attentive, and highly knowledgeable. We will work hard to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all our visitors and we’ll do everything we can to make your patient experience a pleasant one.

Click here to learn more about the products we offer.

 Will my insurance cover medical marijuana?

No. Insurance will not cover medical marijuana at this time.

 What do I need to bring with me?

Patients need to bring the following to the dispensary:

• Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card
• Second form of identification, as used in registering with the program

 What forms of payment do you accept?

At present, we accept cash, debit, and CanPay. Debit transaction are processed via cashless ATM. 

 Are walk-ins welcome?

Yes.

 What are your store hours?

Lowell Dispensary: Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm
Boston Dispensary: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm
Greenfield Dispensary: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm

Caregiver Questions 

What is a caregiver?

A caregiver is a person who provides basic assistance to a medical marijuana patient. This often involves helping the patient obtain and administer their medicine, but can involve any number of other activities in which the patient may require some additional support due to their medical condition. Under Massachusetts law, caregivers are authorized to purchase medical marijuana for the patient from a state licensed dispensary.

 How do I select a caregiver?

Choosing your caregiver is an important decision. You’ll want to select someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and familiar with your health needs. If you’ve chosen someone to serve as your caregiver, you may appoint them on your medical marijuana application form when you register with the MA Department of Public Health. The person(s) you choose will have to complete a caregiver application and receive their caregiver identification card. Each patient can designate up to two caregivers.

 How does my caregiver register?

Personal caregivers can register through the MA MMJ Online System. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to register as a caregiver.

 Can I change my caregiver?

Yes. You will have to notify the MA Department of Public Health that you wish to change caregivers. Your new caregiver will need to apply for an identification card and your old caregiver will have to surrender their Program ID card.

 Product Questions

 What are the different types of marijuana?

We offer a variety of strains, which have been carefully selected to assist patients with a range of symptoms. Some products can increase energy, while others promote relaxation. Our staff provides guidance based on the patient’s needs and most patients discover certain strains that provide the best relief for their individual symptoms. Patients can also find strain reviews on our online menus. Additional explanations of the many forms of marijuana are discussed on our blog.

 How much marijuana should a patient take?

Dosage depends on the needs of the individual patient and can vary greatly. Patients experiencing severe chronic pain may consume several moderate to strong doses per day, while patients seeking help with appetite or sleep may sometimes only require a smaller single dose at the onset of symptoms. We provide our patients with suggestions on how to carefully adjust dosage to achieve the desired effect. Marijuana is fast-acting when inhaled, making it easy for patients to make dosing adjustments until symptoms are relieved.

 Are marijuana accessories available at the dispensary?

Yes. We will have a variety of medical marijuana accessories available for purchase, including pipes, vaporizers, rolling papers, and more.

 Physician Questions

 Which physicians are eligible to recommend medical marijuana in Massachusetts?

In order to approve patients for the medical marijuana program, you must be a Massachusetts-licensed physician or osteopath with an active full license and no prescribing restrictions. You must also have a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration and at least one practice located within the state.

Physicians meeting the above criteria may register with the Medical Use of Marijuana Program by following these instructions.

 How do I approve a patient for medical marijuana in Massachusetts?

If you’re a Massachusetts physician or osteopath and you’d like to approve patients for the medical marijuana program, the first step is to register with the program by following these instructions. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive access to the MMJ Online System, which allows you to certify patients electronically.

Please note that patients must complete a separate patient registration once your electronic certification has been submitted. Following your certification, patients will receive a pin number and registration instructions by email. Each patient must complete the registration process in full before becoming an approved participant in the program.

 What is a bona fide physician-patient relationship?

Massachusetts law requires that recommending doctors have a bona fide physician-patient relationship with any individual they seek to approve for the medical marijuana program. This is defined as “a relationship between a certifying physician (acting in the usual course of professional practice) and a patient, in which the physician has conducted a clinical visit, completed and documented a full assessment of the patient’s medical history and current medical condition, has explained the potential risks and benefits of the marijuana use, and has a role in the patient’s ongoing care and treatment.”