Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Marks 10th Anniversary of the Medical Use of Cannabis Program

“The Medical Use of Marijuana program in Massachusetts has evolved in its first ten years, and along the way has helped thousands of residents access life-changing treatment,” said Executive Director Travis Ahern. “We’re looking forward to the next 10 years as the Commission welcomes more patients and caregivers, and as I work toward my goal of creating a new internal working group to ensure the ongoing success of the program.” Alternative Therapies Group opened the state’s first Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) in Salem on June 24, 2015. The dispensary, which is still open and has expanded with two other locations, came after voters in 2012 approved a ballot initiative allowing medical use of cannabis for qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions. The Medical Use of Marijuana Program has changed significantly since 2015, with thousands of patients and caregivers now enrolled, and MTCs licensed in every county in Massachusetts.

The program now serves just under 85,000 patients who access 94 MTCs that have received notices to commence operations. Just under 6,000 caregivers support those patients, plus 340 registered certifying physicians, 131 nurse practitioners, and seven physician assistants. In 2024, the Commission made regulatory changes to expand patient access, including:

The Commission’s recent cannabis industry report and licensing data show how the program is helping patients across all parts of the state.

Demographics

Distribution of Diagnoses by Patient Age Cohort

Medical conditions

MTC geography

Medical sales, product distribution

The Commission assumed jurisdiction over the Medical Use of Marijuana program from the Department of Public Health in 2018.

If you are interested in becoming a patient, provider, or caregiver, or would like to learn more about the Medical Use of Marijuana Program, please visit MassCannabisControl.com or contact the program by phone at (833) 869-6820) or email (comission@CCCMass.com). You can also follow the agency on Facebook  LinkedIn, and X.