WORCESTER — A year after the state Cannabis Control Commission took on oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Public Health, patients, caregivers, clinicians and treatment centers will shift to a more streamlined online system for registration and other service.

The migration of what’s called the Virtual Gateway, which houses the Medical Use of Marijuana Online System, to the Cannabis Control Commission’s electronic licensing and registration processing platform, the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP), will take place on Jan. 20.

MassCIP has been used by registered and prospective adult-use marijuana establishments and agents to complete the license application process and comply with regulatory requirements since 2018.

As a result of the system migration to MassCIP, constituents should anticipate fewer interruptions in service, access to a streamlined, user-friendly experience and ongoing enhancements  to the system, according to a news release from the commission.

MassCIP is integrated with the state Registry of Motor Vehicles, so patients and caregivers with a driver’s license will be able to have their identity verified automatically. Those without a Massachusetts driver’s license will still be able to file proof of identity for medical use registration and renewal in a similar process to the existing system.

Patients, caregivers, medical marijuana treatment center agents and clinicians will need to claim their Virtual Gateway account in MassCIP in order to access the Medical Use of Marijuana Online System going forward.

The commission recommended that agents and clinicians should begin claiming their accounts now to ensure ongoing service to patients and caregivers. Patients and caregivers may begin claiming their accounts starting on Jan. 20. To claim their account, Virtual Gateway users will use the same email address and password in the new MassCIP portal.

The Virtual Gateway will shut down on Saturday to support migration of the Medical Use of Marijuana Online System to MassCIP. Service to patients and caregivers at medical marijuana treatment centers is not expected to be interrupted.