Apply for Your Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card
The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act authorizes eligible patients with conditions that qualify to obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota
The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act authorizes eligible patients with conditions that qualify them to use medical marijuana in limited forms and amounts for therapeutic reasons. Since the legislatures signed the cannabis bill in 2014, there has been a significant growth of qualifying conditions over recent years. The expanded list makes the marijuana registry more accessible to qualifying patients. You can only get medical marijuana in liquid, pill, or vaporized forms.
So, how do you get your Minnesota medical cannabis card? Below is a stepwise process for getting your medical cannabis card.
Tim Walz, the Governor, issues an executive order during the pandemic to enhance easy access to medical marijuana. The main aim of the order was to protect medical marijuana patients. The executive order allowed patients to schedule telehealth consultations and receive an initial medical marijuana certificate without physically visiting the physician's office. Furthermore, the order has extended the current patient enrollments to 60 days after the peacetime emergency ends. Lastly, MMJ patients can also register or have temporary emergency caregivers. These caregivers can help them access medical marijuana products during the pandemic period.
The executive order further allows medical cannabis manufacturers to implement telephone pharmacist consultations and curbside pickups.
Getting your MMJ card involves talking to a licensed or state-approved medical cannabis physician, getting the approval, or your money back.
This application process only takes a few minutes, as it involves signing up, responding to a few questions, and booking your appointment.
Overview
Minnesota residents with different qualifying conditions can qualify for the medical cannabis card. Over the past years, the program has expanded, including numerous qualifying conditions. Before applying for the MMJ card, it'll be vital to check if you have one of the qualifying conditions. With the difference in the eligibility criteria, it’ll be wise to check with your local state and comply with the directives.
Experts reveal that MN is one of the states with the most conservative and strictest medical cannabis program in the US. The state only recognized nine diagnosable medical conditions as qualifying conditions after the legislatures launched the MMJ program in 2014.
Since then, the program has added other qualifying conditions, such as PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, autism, and intractable/chronic pain. The program's limited capacity restricted the operations of Minnesota MMJ dispensaries. The restrictions caused the dispensaries to lose approximately $11 million during the first two years.
Remember, the state authorities subject individuals found possessing or using medical cannabis to harsh criminal penalties. The law enforcers consider possessing less than 42.5 grams of marijuana as a misdemeanor, having a maximum fine or court charges of $200. Nevertheless, the state views possession of more than 24.5g of marijuana as a felony offense. A felony offense in MN attracts a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000-maximum fine.
Regardless of the numerous limitations and restrictions, this article provides appropriate help to get your MN medical cannabis card. This article provides a comprehensive guideline for applying for and getting your MMJ card in the state. Furthermore, it highlights the critical considerations and details on MMJ card approval.
Schedule an appointment
You can schedule an appointment with a qualified MMJ physician by completing the application form or contacting HappyMD on 831-454-6257.
The telehealth platform offers same-day appointments, allowing you to see the physician 15 minutes after scheduling.
Talk to the physician.
Physicians at the platform will perform a quick 15-minute evaluation to determine whether your condition qualifies for the MMJ card.
You'll also find out whether the physicians have approved your application during the appointment.
Receive your MMJ card
After the physicians approve your application, this telehealth platform will enter the certification into an online registry. Entering the certification online allows you to start the registration process as an MMJ patient.
You can now start accessing cannabis patient centers or dispensaries anywhere in the state.
Visiting the Marijuana Dispensaries
It'd help to visit the state's cannabis patient center after getting the medical marijuana program approval.
You must visit the different state cannabis patient centers after receiving your medical marijuana program approval. At these centers, the pharmacist will review your health and account information. The pharmacists will also recommend the right products and specific doses to suit your needs. Nevertheless, you must finish the patient self-evaluation report or assessment before the visit.
How to Get Your Medical Cannabis in Minnesota through HappyMD
This post helps you to understand the process of getting medical cannabis and navigating the MMJ program, making it easy to access natural cannabis treatment that works. With the state's MMJ card, you can purchase pills, oils, tinctures, or vaporized delivery. However, the state restricts raw cannabis flowers.
After registering at the HappyMD website, the platform will connect you to a licensed and state-approved marijuana physician. The physician will evaluate your qualifying condition or disease and discuss the potential or best treatment options. After the evaluation, you'll receive an email from the Medical marijuana office if the doctor believes that your condition fulfills the MN medical card requirements. The email will contain a unique registration link you'll use on the Medical marijuana patient registry.
After registering with the state, the law requires you to submit another patient self-evaluation form every time you visit the dispensary. You can submit the patient self-evaluation by logging in to your Medical Marijuana Patient Registry.
MN has a straightforward renewal process, which you can achieve online.
Find a state-approved and registered MMJ doctor in Minnesota.
Getting a qualified MMJ physician to evaluate and certify your condition is the first step to getting your medical marijuana card.
Most patients usually find it challenging to find the right physician to certify their conditions. However, HappyMD provides the best solution, as the platform plans to open its clinics and offer online telehealth evaluations for applications and renewals. The online provision makes it easy to search for the appropriate MMJ physician.
If you have qualifying conditions and at least one medical proof, you're sure of getting an MMJ card. The MMJ physician at the telehealth will evaluate your condition and review the medical documentation and evidence before issuing you the certification to apply for the card.
Minnesota Medical Marijuana Requirements
Residency & Age Requirements
You must be residing in the state to qualify for the MMJ card. The state laws don't have age limitations. Nevertheless, the law states that patients below 18 years will need to present their guardians or parents as their caregivers or registered agents.
Medical documentation
You need appropriate medical documentation to support your qualifying condition. This medical documentation may include pill bottles, medical records, a doctor's letter stating the diagnosis, or office visit summaries. After presenting these medical documents, you'll be ready for the certification.
However, if you're a qualifying disease or condition lacking medical care, contact HappyMD by calling or texting 831-454-6237. The telehealth platform will schedule your doctor's appointment to certify your qualifying condition. The platform doesn't charge an extra fee for your diagnosis or certification.
What is the Cost of Getting a Minnesota MMJ Card?
The state requires you to pay an initial MMJ card application and a renewal fee of $200. Furthermore, you must also have the physician's consultation fee, approximately $200. Remember, the law requires you to re-enroll for the state’s program yearly.
Minnesota MMJ program provides special consideration for patients on Medicaid, MNCare, CHAMPVA, IHS, Social Security Disability, or Supplemental Security Income. However, you must provide documentation or an Identification card to enjoy the reduced renewal and application fee, approximately $50 less than the normal charges.
What are the Qualifying Conditions for the Medical Marijuana Card?
The authorities provide the MMJ card to patients with different qualifying conditions. Before Getting an MMJ card, a qualified and state-approved physician must confirm the diagnosis of one of the following conditions:
● ALS
● Glaucoma
● HIV/AIDS
● Cancer resulting in severe vomiting, chronic pain, wasting syndrome
● Seizures, especially those with epilepsy characteristics
● Tourette’s syndrome
● Intractable pain
● Inflammatory bowel diseases, plus Crohn's disease
● Persistent and severe muscle spasms, including the spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis
● Terminal disease or illness has a probable life expectancy of less than a year.
● Post-traumatic stress disorders
● Obstructive sleep apnea
● Autism
Remember, you can only qualify for the MMJ card if you have a terminal illness or cancer with a life expectancy below one year. The condition must also result in one or more of these symptoms: severe wasting or cachexia, chronic or severe pain, severe vomiting, or nausea.
Medical Marijuana Certification Process in Minnesota
MN has the same certification process as other states in the US. During the certification, the law requires you to obtain a valid certificate from a state-approved and qualified MMJ physician to proceed with the application. The process involves the following steps:
- Book an appointment with a state-approved and licensed MMJ physician
- Speak or consult with the physician to check if your condition qualifies you
- Get the patient certificate before applying with the state
- Receive your MMJ card and start accessing medical cannabis products from the different dispensaries.
The State of Legalizing Cannabis in MN
Red lake Nation news reports that patients seeking marijuana for its healing properties or uses can now use these products without any penalties. The relief comes after the White Earth Nation votes to legalize the use of marijuana by a 994-150 tribal vote. After legalizing medical marijuana in 204, the state has improved the regulations. These measures allow the state's Tribal Council to develop its rules to govern medical cannabis, which isn't subject to Minnesota's MMJ laws. A new source reveals that the state has one of the most restrictive MMJ laws.
In 2019 Public Radio reported how the program is very restrictive. The public radio stated that this program had served very few individuals despite being effective for more than four years as many patients consider it too expensive. Furthermore, there have been uncertainties about the future of this program, as some lawmakers continually push for the state to join the other US states to legalize the sale and legalization of recreational marijuana.
As MN and other states still deliberate on using recreational cannabis alongside the medical one, approximately 11 states in the country are allowing the president to access and use both types of marijuana. Besides alleviating different diseases or conditions, marijuana offers a substantial economic boost to many states. MN announced that they'd start allowing patients to access cannabis flowers for smoking and edibles products. Since March 2022, the MMJ program has allowed registered patients above 21 years old access to different smokable medical cannabis. Later on Aug 1, 2022, the state allowed registered MMJ patients to purchase chews and gummies. Nevertheless, before purchasing these products, it'll be wise to have a full consultation with a qualified dispensary pharmacist.
Additional Information on MN MMJ License Process
This section provides appropriate responses to different questions or concerns on medical marijuana in MN .
Can you use medical cannabis anywhere?
No, the law restricts smoking in public, as smoking in public creates the assumption that you're taking cannabis products for recreational purposes. Thus, consuming medical cannabis in a safe, private residence or home will be good. Furthermore, the law requires you to store these products in a locked and safe location.
What are the best types of cannabis to consume?
The different cannabis patient centers provide cannabis to qualified patients in the form of topical cream, pill, liquid, or oil concentrate for vaporizing. However, the law prohibits smoking marijuana flowers or dry herbs. The state also authorized its patients to purchase tablets, powders, gums, mints, or lozenges.
Can you consume marijuana in your car?
The state considers consuming cannabis in your car illegal.
Can you grow marijuana in MN?
The existing state laws don't allow you to cultivate marijuana in your home or garden.
Can you take medical marijuana products with you to another state?
No. Transporting marijuana products within different states may lead to local and federal charges. This restriction applies even when you're moving within or visiting states that legalize possession and use of medical marijuana. It’ll be vital to consult your local state’s Department of health if you need to travel with these products.
What is the amount of cannabis you can buy and possess?
Unlike the other states, MN doesn’t have a specific limit on the amount of marijuana you can possess or purchase. Your MMJ physician is responsible for recommending the right doses and removing the control or restriction on the product's dosage and usage. Thus, the right marijuana form and the amount usually differ between customers.
Where can you purchase MMJ products in MN?
Currently, MN has eleven marijuana patient centers. Minnesota Medical Green Goods/ Solutions and Leaf line labs are the state's major providers.
Unfortunately, Maj patients in Minnesota's southwest and northwest corners usually drive long distances to get these products. Research shows that individuals in places like Bemidji must endure a four-hour trip to access these products.
Can you have a caregiver?
Yes, the state’s MMJ program allows spouses, caregivers, legal guardians, and parents to help patients with registration. Caregivers can also pick medical marijuana products on the patient's behalf. When applying, we've got a separate caregiver application procedure with a criminal background check. Remember that legal guardians and parents can be caregivers for minors applying for the MMJ program.
Get Evaluation
Licensed marijuana physicians will evaluate you based on your medical history, current health condition, and the medical documents you provide as proof. After approval, the telehealth physicians will instantly submit your certificate to the federal state to allow you to complete the patient registration as soon as possible. Remember, the state only will enable doctors, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants to provide the medical cannabis certifications. The MN Department of Health reveals that more than half the MMJ patients on the state registry for certification from only 30 physicians. With the small number of physicians certifying the patients, it can be daunting to get your medical credentials.
Furthermore, the state's Department of Health doesn't share or maintain the practitioners who can participate in the certification program. Importantly, HappyMD makes it easy to get the certification by connecting you to a qualified cannabis-friendly physician within your state. You need to sign up and book a telemedicine appointment.
It'd help if you got ready for the appointment by filling in an Acknowledgement Form and the Patient Email earlier to obtain legitimate medical or health records from the primary care doctor indicating your diagnosis. Indeed if you qualify for this program, the cannabis-friendly physician will register you as an MMJ patient at the Department of Health in the state. After getting the register, you'll get an email from the Medical marijuana office having the link you'll use to register online for the Minnesota MMJ card.
Places You Can Visit in Minnesota When Enjoying Your Medical Marijuana
Minnesota is well-known for famous places like the International Wolf Center and Mall of America, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Furthermore, the state boasts of many visitors and locals visiting these places. MN borders Lake Superior and Canada boosting st. Cloud Clemens Garden has more than 80000 annual plant species, like swings, benches, fountains, and ponds. More so, the state also has Mother Nature, a 32000 acre oldest park for bike routes, trails, wilderness drives, and hiking. If you have more time, you can take your medical marijuana. You can enjoy them at the following places:
Mall of America
The Mall of America is the country's biggest mall having more than 500 shops. The mall offers one-stop shopping and hotel accommodations where you can stay overnight during the vacation. The restaurants and theatres in the mall provide the different visitors with chances to get off their feet to shop while enjoying a snack or movie. You can even visit this mall at certain times during an annual event.
St. Cloud Clemen Garden
The Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society made possible the creation of this garden. The garden has over 80000 annual plants, and 1100 rose bushes blooming all year round. You can enjoy your time in this robust garden by taking a swing, sitting on a bench, and picnicking down the pond. This site also hosts music and fair arts featuring artists from the locality and other famed musicians.
St. Paul
St Paul compliments one of the Twin cities. Investors built this palace around the St. Paul Cathedral and the city, lined with Golden age mansions through Summit Avenue. Planetware reveals this location is the most prolonged and extensive collection of Victorian edifices. Coupled with sightseeing for approximately 373 mansions, most research shows that this location also provides numerous family events, such as an excellent zoo having an amusement park, a children's museum, and a science museum.
Two Harbours
Two harbors is a popular place to visit when enjoying your MMJ products in MN. The place has vast activities you can enjoy with your family and colleagues all year round. Besides providing the appropriate place to enjoy after enjoying your medical cannabis, you can get the best place or activities for your children.
The Boundary Waters
It's the best place you can enjoy when focusing on nature. Studies show that this place is one of the best nature destinations if you're an adventure-long traveler. We've got numerous activities you'll enjoy at this location, such as canoeing, watching bears, or sleeping on the different grounds of the location. It's the best nature site you can consider at this place after enjoying your medical marijuana.
You can consider HappyMD for the straightforward and cost-effective application process for your Medical marijuana card in Minnesota.
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