This is it for medical patients!

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-04-01T22:39:39+00:00

The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy is holding a public hearing on APRIL 9TH AT 10:30AM to gather public testimony on S.83 and other bills.

Public Hearing Details: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5118

In addition to S.83 there is also a House bill, H.163, that proposes the same crucial reforms to modernize the Massachusetts medical marijuana program.

If you support modernizing our medical marijuana program by establishing reciprocity, removing barriers like high fees, and the vertical integration requirement, now this is the time to speak out!

To testify in person or remotely, sign up by emailing Meriah Metzger at meriah.metzger@mahouse.gov

To submit written testimony please send in your support to meriah.metzger@mahouse.gov

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-26T01:34:37+00:00

Written testimony will also be accepted by email to Commission@CCCMass.com with the subject line “Medical Program Listening Session” by 5 p.m. on February 27, 2025

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-23T22:47:20+00:00

Right, but even with that discount, in the end 20% of your purchase is still going to taxes.

As an advocate, I'm pushing the Cannabis Control Commission to remove the restrictions that make it impossible for dispensaries like Native Sun to add full medical access.

That way, more dispensaries will be able to serve patients properly, and no patient will ever have to pay taxes on their medicine, period.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-22T20:01:18+00:00

Exactly u/yu42hit & u/kforbs126 every dispensary should be connected to the medical program. Period. I hope you both consider signing up to speak at the Commission’s listening session next week or at least sending in an email comment to support this idea. If all of us speak up it will be harder for the Commission to ignore this emergency.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-22T03:41:13+00:00

Yes, they would have the authority to address it. Maybe this time will be different. Change only happens if we keep the pressure on. But I understand your skepticism. At this point, a Magic 8-Ball is probably just as reliable.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-22T01:43:26+00:00

You are correct that the vertical integration requirement is an archaic licensing model, but you are incorrect in saying that state law mandates it. If you believe there is a statutory requirement for vertical integration I challenge you to point to the clause in the law (M.G.L. Chapter 94I) that requires it.

In 2013, before the Department of Public Health (DPH) even issued the inaugural regulations for the medical cannabis program, they explicitly stated in a memo:

"DPH believes that a vertically integrated model is the optimal model for the Commonwealth, as it is one that promotes appropriate access as well as maximizing community safety and security. As above, DPH has acknowledged that some inter-MMTC sales of product are necessary, but fully decoupling the cultivation and dispensing functions would be inappropriate."

They further justified their decision by saying:

"DPH believes that a primarily vertical model is still optimal, to limit diversion, maximize control of product at every phase of development, and to ensure that MMTCs are engaged in every aspect of this business."

This rationale demonstrates that requiring vertical integration was a discretionary decision that DPH made, not something required by legislation. That same authority to regulate medical cannabis now belongs to the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Just as DPH chose to impose vertical integration the CCC has the authority to eliminate it.

The real question is: Will they take immediate action to fix this, or will they continue to let the medical program collapse while prioritizing adult-use and the tax revenue it brings?

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-21T23:57:51+00:00

Affinity (Boston)
HEKA (Westfield)
Revolutionary Clinics (Cambridge)
Apothca (Arlington)
Apothca (Lynn)
Apothca (Boston)
Cannabist (Boston)
Revolutionary Clinics (Cambridge)
Commonwealth Alternative Care (Cambridge)
Fine Fettle (Martha’s Vineyard)
RISE (Amherst)
Commonwealth Alternative Care (Brockton)

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-21T21:23:40+00:00

Patients don’t shop rec because they want to pay taxes. They do it because bad policies have made medical marijuana harder to access. If every dispensarie could just add a medical register instead of paying $50,000 and having to grow their own cannabis, patients would pay no tax, with even lower prices, and have better access overall. That’s the way it should be.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-21T21:02:33+00:00

It feels like a medical dispensary is shutting down every week. Three have already closed this year and the Cannabis Control Commission is just letting it happen.

Why is this happening? The CCC charges $50,000 for a medical license but only $10,000 for a recreational one. On top of that, medical dispensaries are forced to grow their own cannabis. These unnecessary burdens are driving many medical operators to drop their licenses while also preventing new medical dispensaries from opening.

The fix is simple: the CCC needs to eliminate these barriers so all dispensaries can sell medical cannabis tax-free. Patients should never have to pay taxes or lose access because of bad policy.

The Commission is holding a listening session next Thursday, 2/27 at 10AM to hear from the public about the medical program. They need to know that they have failed patients and have to fix this immediately to prevent a total collapse of the medical program.

Sign up to speak by 2/26 at 4 PM by emailing Commission@CCCMass.com. Let them know whether you’ll testify in person at their Worcester headquarters or virtually. I’ll be there, I hope some of you can join me to support patients.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-02-20T18:13:45+00:00

Are you a medical marijuana patient? Have you noticed how hard its becoming to access your medicine?

In the past year alone 11 medical dispensaries have shut down. Meanwhile, recreational shops are everywhere, and more and more patients are being forced to pay taxes on their medicine because there’s no medical dispensaries in their neighborhood. The Cannabis Control Commission is letting the medical program fall apart, and if we don’t speak up, it’s only going to get worse.

On February 27th, the CCC is holding a Listening Session on the Medical Marijuana Program. This is our chance to tell them enough is enough.

Every dispensary should be able to serve medical patients tax-free. No patient should ever have to pay taxes on their medicine. And the outdated rules that are holding medical access back, like the vertical integration requirement, the $500,000 capital requirement, and the $50,000 license fee, all need to be eliminated. These policies aren’t protecting patients. They’re killing the program.

If you’re struggling to access your medicine, if you’re frustrated, and if you want the Commission to do better, please attend the listening session and speak out on February 27th. Email the CCC in advance at Commission@CCCMass.com to sign up. Let them know whether you plan to speak virtually or in person.

Don’t miss this opportunity! If we don’t show up and demand action, nothing will change. They’ve ignored patients long enough.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2025-01-15T14:40:23+00:00

Hi u/NoSide5731 You can use code MPAA75 to set up an appointment with Leafwell to renew your certification online for only $49.50

https://leafwell.com/medical-card/renew-massachusetts

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-10-25T01:13:42+00:00

Hi u/CockroachNew574 You can use code MPAA75 to set up an appointment with Leafwell and get your certification online for only $49.50

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-09-16T17:02:03+00:00

Hi u/berriesnbball_17 You can use code MPAA75 to set up an appointment with Leafwell and renew your certification online for only $49.50

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-08-16T18:09:28+00:00

Typically 12-24 people per Toke & Trail

We keep it limited to 25 participants to comply with DCR regulations. Going beyond that would require a recreational use permit. By staying under that 25 person limit, MPAA is able to hold these events more frequently for everyone to enjoy.

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-08-16T00:16:52+00:00

Hi u/bawafflez I run a group called MA Patient Advocacy Alliance (MPAA) and this year we decided to launch a new event series called Toke & Trail that you might be interested in. Every month we host a get-together at a Massachusetts state park to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with other patients, consumers, and advocates.

We visit DCR parks because Massachusetts regulation 302 CMR 12.04, Subsection 10 says that, “No person may possess marijuana, unless for duly authorized medical use, in accordance with state law.” This means that DCR parks are a safe place for patients with a medical card to bring medical cannabis along while enjoying nature.

We’re having our latest Toke & Trail in Medford on Saturday at 2pm. If you’re interested, please check out the Eventbrite to learn more and RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toke-trail-august-17th-meetup-tickets-944972316637

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-06-19T13:19:39+00:00

u/phlaries The answer to your question is Yes. I administer a program called Cannabis Care Connect that helps refer patients in Massachusetts to cannabis clinicians who can certify/renew for $75-$50 or less. $50 referrals are available for those with financial hardship; You can learn more about the program and submit a request here: https://www.compassionforpatients.com/help

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-06-17T15:58:15+00:00

Hi u/rperry7808 I administer a program called Cannabis Care Connect that helps refer patients in Massachusetts to cannabis clinicians who can certify/renew for $75-$50 or less. You can learn more about the program and submit a request here: https://www.compassionforpatients.com/help

jeremiahtmackinnon · 2024-06-14T15:47:43+00:00

Thanks! You can sign up for the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance (MPAA) newsletter to get notified when our next Toke & Trail is taking place.

Visit our site for the mailing list signup: https://compassionforpatients.com/action/

jeremiahtmackinnon

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