How do I get a medical cannabis card in Massachusetts?

To obtain a medical cannabis card in MA, you must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider like Sharon Reif, NP-C. If you have a qualifying condition, you will receive a certification to register with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in MA?

Qualifying conditions in Massachusetts include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as other conditions determined in writing by a healthcare provider, such as chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia.

Do you offer online telehealth appointments for medical cards?

Yes. ElevateCareNP provides 100% online telehealth evaluations via secure video or phone. This allows Massachusetts residents to get certified from the comfort and privacy of their own home.

How much does a medical marijuana certification cost?

At ElevateCareNP, we offer transparent pricing with a flat fee of $99 for your evaluation. We are committed to providing the best value in Massachusetts and will happily price match to ensure you receive the lowest price available. Furthermore, your visit is risk-free: if for any reason you are not certified, you will receive a 100% refund.

How often do I need to get recertified?

You must see your certifying clinician (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) at least once a year to confirm you still meet the criteria for medical cannabis use. The provider’s certification can be valid for up to 365 days, but if they issue a shorter period you’ll need to return sooner.

What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts?

Medical marijuana patients in Massachusetts benefit from a 17% to 20% tax savings. Benefits also include: access to higher-potency edibles (over 5mg); higher purchase/carry limits (10 oz); dispensary discounts and rewards; medical reciprocity in states like Maine; and increased home cultivation limits (up to 12 plants in veg and 12 in flower).

Medical Cannabis Considerations for Anxiety and Depression

Health and Wellness

Sep 8

Written By Sharon Reif, NP-C

Anxiety and depression are increasingly viewed through the lens of Endocannabinoid Deficiency. Medical cannabis supports the body’s "internal equilibrium" by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Emerging research, including a 2024 meta-analysis, confirms that high-quality CBD acts as a significant anxiolytic by modulating serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors, providing relief without the "head high" of traditional cannabis.

The Terpene "Buffer": New 2024 Findings

A 2024 study from Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified D-limonene (the citrus terpene) as a critical tool for patient safety. The research found that D-limonene significantly reduces the "paranoia" and "panic" often triggered by higher doses of THC. For patients with anxiety, choosing strains rich in Limonene or Linalool is no longer just a preference—it is a clinically supported strategy to increase THC tolerability.

Targeted Strain Profiles

For Anxiety: Prioritize High-CBD / Low-THC ratios (e.g., 10:1 or 20:1). This provides "Verified Clinical Accuracy" in calming the central nervous system.
For Depression: Focus on Limonene and Pinene-rich profiles. These terpenes offer "alert-calm" effects, helping to combat the lethargy and "brain fog" often associated with depressive episodes.
For Comorbid Conditions: A 1:1 balanced ratio is the "Gold Standard," offering the mood-lifting properties of THC stabilized by the anti-anxiety properties of CBD.

The "Start Low, Go Slow" Protocol

Proper titration is essential. Microdosing allows the brain to adjust to cannabinoid levels without over-stimulating the amygdala (the brain's fear center). We recommend beginning with sublingual tinctures for precise, measurable dosing.

Ready to find a path that works for you? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re looking for relief from anxiety or a better night’s sleep, we’re here to help you understand your options in a judgment-free space.

Schedule Your $99 Telemedicine Consultation Fast, private, and 100% online.

Sources

Psychiatry Research. Therapeutic potential of CBD in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 2024. Link
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Chemical naturally found in cannabis (D-limonene) reduces THC-induced anxiety. 2024. Link
National Library of Medicine (PMC). The Entourage Effect in Cannabis Medicinal Products: A Comprehensive Review. 2024. Link
Frontiers in Psychiatry. Cannabidiol usage, efficacy, and side effects in clinical populations. 2024. Link
Journal of Cannabis Research. Impact of CBD-rich treatment on anxiety and depression: Real-world evidence. 2021. Link
National Library of Medicine (PMC). A review of the potential use of Pinene and Linalool as terpene therapeutics. 2021. Link

The information in this post is intended for educational purposes only. This information neither substitutes for nor replaces professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No content on this site should ever be regarded as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Reviewed: September 2025Cannabis for AnxietyCannabis for DepressionClinical Cannabis GuideCannabis and Mental HealthFalmouth Medical Marijuana

Sharon Reif, NP-C

About the Author Sharon Reif, NP-C, is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and the founder of ElevateCareNP. With 30+ years of clinical experience in Cardiology and Acute Care, Sharon specializes in evidence-based medical cannabis certification in Massachusetts. She is dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and expert guidance to patients navigating alternative medicine.

Medical Cannabis Considerations for Anxiety and Depression

The Terpene "Buffer": New 2024 Findings

Targeted Strain Profiles

The "Start Low, Go Slow" Protocol

Sources

Medical Cannabis Dosing: Essential Guidelines for Beginners

Understanding THC vs CBD: Medical Cannabis Basics