# Getting Started

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/getting-started/
> **Published:** 2023-04-24T22:46:01-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-27T22:21:04-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Getting Started Getting Started With CED Clinic From your first visit through renewal, here’s everything you need to navigate medical cannabis care in Massachusetts, step by step. 1 Your First Visit What to expect at your evaluation, what to bring, and how the process works for adults and pediatric patients. 2 Registration Information Step-by-step instructions […]

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Getting Started

## Getting Started With CED Clinic

From your first visit through renewal, here’s everything you need to navigate [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) care in Massachusetts, step by step.

[1

## Your First Visit

What to expect at your evaluation, what to bring, and how the process works for adults and pediatric patients.](/getting-started/your-first-visit/)[2

## Registration Information

Step-by-step instructions for registering with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, new, renewing, and pediatric patients.](/getting-started/registration-information/)[3

## Caregiver Information

How to register a personal caregiver who can purchase and transport medical cannabis on a patient’s behalf.](/getting-started/caregiver-information/)[4

## Next Steps

What happens after registration, when your card arrives, dispensary access, and how to renew.](/getting-started/next-steps/)

## Ready to Begin?

Book your first consultation and our team will guide you through every step from there.

[Book a Consultation](/book/)

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).