At our clinic, we are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information about medical marijuana laws in Minnesota. In this article, we will explain the key aspects of these laws and how they affect patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Overview of Minnesota Medical Marijuana Laws
In 2014, Minnesota passed a law that allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to use medical marijuana under certain conditions. This law was expanded in 2016 to include patients with intractable pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions.
To qualify for medical marijuana in Minnesota, patients must have a qualifying medical condition, obtain a certification from a healthcare provider, and register with the state. Caregivers can also register on behalf of patients who are unable to do so.
Medical marijuana in Minnesota is only available in the form of pills, liquids, or oils. Smoking, vaporizing, or using edibles is not allowed. Patients can purchase medical marijuana from one of eight state-approved dispensaries.
Qualifying Medical Conditions in Minnesota
Minnesota medical marijuana laws define qualifying medical conditions as:
Cancer associated with severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Tourette's syndrome
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease
Terminal illness, with a life expectancy of less than one year, if the illness or treatment produces severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting
Intractable pain
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Healthcare providers can also certify patients with other medical conditions that they deem severe and debilitating.
Possession
Registered and qualified patients are allowed to carry up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, as prescribed by a pharmacist, regardless of the amount of dosage. Non-registered individuals in Minnesota can possess less than 42.5 grams (1.5 ounces) of marijuana, which is considered a misdemeanor offense. First-time offenders may be ordered to attend drug rehabilitation and a fine of up to $300. Possession of more than 42.5 grams of cannabis is considered a felony offense. In-state manufacturers must be registered with the state and are allowed one manufacturing facility and eight distribution sites.
Forms of Consumption
Only certain forms of marijuana, including capsules, liquid, tablets, oral sprays, tinctures, topicals, and vaporization cartridges, are permitted for consumption, even for medical purposes. Professional malpractice or negligence while under the influence of marijuana is considered an offense in Minnesota, including operating a vehicle, using public transportation, being in child-care facilities or children’s parks, and caregiving.
Caregiving
In Minnesota, a patient must request a caregiver during the certification process if they are disabled or under 18 years old. The healthcare practitioner must approve the request, and the caregiver can be a guardian, parent, or spouse of the patient. Once approved, the caregiver must submit necessary documents, including birth or adoption certificates, legal guardian documents, or a marriage license, and complete a background check before being confirmed as a legal caregiver.
Reciprocity
Minnesota does not have reciprocity and does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. Employers in Minnesota may not discriminate against an employee based on their Minnesota Medical Cannabis Registry, and refusing to hire an individual based on a positive test may subject an employer to liability if the person holds a medical cannabis card and explains the reasons for the positive test to the employer
Registration and Certification Process in Minnesota
To register for medical marijuana in Minnesota, patients must follow these steps:
Obtain a certification from a healthcare provider, who must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Health.
Complete the patient self-evaluation form, which includes information about the patient's medical history, current medications, and symptoms.
Submit the certification and patient self-evaluation form online or by mail, along with a $200 registration fee (or $50 for patients enrolled in state or federal assistance programs).
Wait for the Minnesota Department of Health to review the application and issue a medical cannabis card, which is valid for one year.
Caregivers can register on behalf of patients who are unable to do so. They must also pass a criminal background check and pay a $25 registration fee.
State-Approved Dispensaries in Minnesota
Minnesota has eight state-approved dispensaries that sell medical marijuana to registered patients and caregivers. These dispensaries are located in the following cities:
Bloomington
Minneapolis
Moorhead
Rochester
St. Cloud
St. Paul
Hibbing
Virginia
Each dispensary has a pharmacist on staff who can provide information about dosing, side effects, and drug interactions.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive overview of Minnesota medical marijuana laws and regulations. If you have a qualifying medical condition and are considering medical marijuana as a treatment option, we encourage you to consult with a healthcare provider who is registered with the Minnesota Department of Health. They can help you determine whether medical marijuana is right for you and guide you through the registration and certification process.
.png)