If you are registered under the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana program, you need to renew every year. Don’t wait until just before your current registration expires! To be sure that there’s no gap in your Medical Marijuana program status, you should apply for renewal at least 60 days before your current registration runs out.
Here’s a quick guide to the process:
First, before you can renew your registration with the state, you need to check your medical certification.
If your certification has expired, you’ll need to set up an appointment with your health care provider. Only when you have a valid medical certification can you get your Program ID Card.
If you’re not sure about your certification status, you can check it online at https://sso.hhs.state.ma.us if you’re applying using the online program, or by calling (617) 660-5370, for paper applicants. Next, renew your registration with the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program (“the Program.”)
Renew Online
If you’re comfortable in the digital world and have access, online is definitely the easiest and fastest way to renew. If you already have an online account, you’ll want to use that – creating a new account will only slow down the process. If you have an account, see the detailed instructions here:
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/quality/medical-marijuana/mmj-system-registration-renewal-step-by-step.pdf
Paper forms
If you can’t use the online registration process, you can register with paper forms, but this is a slower and longer process. If you need paper registration forms, please call the Program at (617) 660-5370.
Renewing online – tips to avoid hassles
Use the link you got in your registration renewal e-mail or visit Virtual Gateway’s (VG) login page directly at: https://sso.hhs.state.ma.us
Use the same username you used when you first registered online. You don’t need a new PIN from your health care provider to renew your registration if you have an existing username.
Don’t create a new account if you already have a username.
If you have forgotten your password, don’t panic! Just click the “Forgot Password” link on the Login page, here: https://sso.hhs.state.ma.us You will need your username to retrieve your password.
If you have forgotten your username, don’t panic, either! Just call Virtual Gateway Customer Service Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 800-421-0938 (Voice) or 617-847-6578 (TTY).
But, before you begin…
Before you can renew your registration, be sure you have a few things ready:
Log-in information
You’ll need the same username you used when you first registered with the Program.
A current, valid form of identification
You’ll only need this is there is any change in information from your previous registration, or if you have a new ID or if your ID’s expiration date has changed. If there is any change at all to your ID, you will need to update the information.
What’s a valid form of ID? You may use any of these:
- Massachusetts Driver’s License
- Massachusetts ID Card
- US Passport
- US Military ID
If using a passport or military ID, you must also have a document to prove that you live in MA. If using a driver’s license or state ID card, the name and address must match your MMJ registration renewal application.
If you need to update your name and address on your ID, contact the RMV for more information or visit their website: www.massrmv.com.
Proof of Residency
You only need this if you are using a U.S. Passport or U.S. Military ID.
The name and address on your proof of residency must match the name and address on your MMJ registration renewal application. Use one of the documents listed below for valid proof of residency:
- Utility Bill – Less than 60 days old
- Current MA Motor Vehicle Registration Card
- Tuition Bill – Due date of less than 6 months old
- U.S. Marriage Certificate – Dated within past 6 months
- Property Tax or Excise Tax Bill
- First-Class Mail from Federal or State Agency – Less than 60 days old
- Car Insurance Policy or Bill – Less than 60 days old
- Current MA-Issued Professional License
- Mortgage, Lease, or Loan – Dated with past 6 months
Payment
Almost done! Time to check-out.
There is a $50 registration fee to complete a patient registration renewal. Prepaid cards (e.g. Visa gift cards) are not accepted.
You can use any of these for your online registration renewal payment:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Electronic Funds Transfer (by providing a bank account number and bank routing number)
For your paper registration, you may use a check or Money Order (Payable to “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts”), or submit a proof of financial hardship.
Proof of Financial Hardship
Financial hardship should not be a barrier to completing your patient registration. You may be qualified for a $50 registration waiver if you have a verified financial hardship including MassHealth, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or a household income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level.
If you think you may qualify, or for more information, visit the Patient Registration Step-by-Step Instructions:
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/quality/medical-marijuana/mmj-system-registration-patient-step-by-step.pdf
Accepted documents for proof of financial hardship
To apply for a waiver you must submit proof. Only the below documents are accepted forms of proof:
- Official MassHealth acceptance letter for the current year, or official MassHealth redetermination letter for the current year
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) statement for the current year
- SSI benefit verification letter for the current year
- SSDI does not qualify
- State or Federal tax return for this or last year, including all the attachments
Your Program ID Card
When you have completed your renewal and registration, you should also check the expiration date on your Program ID card. The card has a separate expiration date from your registration. The cards expire every three years.
Remember, you must carry your Program ID card with you at all times when in possession of marijuana for medical use.
If you ever lose your card, you must notify the program with 5 business days. You will be able to get a new card through your online account. If you are a paper applicant, just send a check payable to “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts” with a letter.
Keep close tabs on your card, since there is a $10 fee to replace Program IDs cards.
Keep your information current
If you ever have any changes in your information – if you move, change doctors, etc. – you must log-in and update the program within 5 business days. Just log-in to VG (https://sso.hhs.state.ma.us/) and update your information.
Need help?
This process is designed to be simple, so hopefully your registration renewal will be quick and easy. But if you have further questions, or run into any problems, help is always available. To search for answers or to ask a specific question, just use one of these contacts:
Website: www.mass.gov/medicalmarijuana
E-Mail: MedicalMarijuana@state.ma.us
Call: (617) 660-5370
The Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program works together with your physician to ensure that you receive the pain and symptom management you need. Together, we can bring you a better tomorrow.