Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Approves New Medical Cannabis Regulations

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission unanimously approved new medical cannabis regulations Sept. 24, and the new rules change how the state’s financial hardship programs operate.

Medical cannabis dispensaries have always been required by law to establish discount programs for low-income patients, but under the new regulations, all medical dispensaries must create a financial hardship plan that outlines goals, programs and measurements, and include it in their licensing applications to be considered during the licensing process, according to a MassLive.com report.

The new rules also eliminate the $50 annual fee for patient registration cards.

While patients can now access Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis market without a registration card, medical cannabis is tax-free, and purchasing from the medical market creates an electronic patient record, MassLive.com reported.

The commission’s new regulations will take effect after they are promulgated by the secretary of state, according to the news outlet.