Navigating Minnesota's Medical Marijuana System

Is cannabis legal in Minnesota?

Since 2014, medical use of cannabis has been legal in Minnesota. The medical cannabis program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The Minnesota Medical Marijuana Act established a patient registry for therapeutic cannabis use, allowing limited forms of medical cannabis for qualifying conditions. It regulates distribution, manufacturing, and offers criminal and civil protections.

Passed in 2014, the law legalized marijuana treatment for severe medical conditions, with registration starting in 2015 and restricted availability in liquid, pill, or vaporized form. Additional qualifying conditions were added in subsequent years.

As of July 2022, Minnesota allows the sale of food and beverages containing THC, but it must be derived from hemp and limited to 5 mg per serving. In May 2023, a bill legalizing marijuana for adults 21 and over was passed and enacted into law. Starting from August 1, 2023, cannabis use, possession, and cultivation are legal in the state.

Despite this, there are several benefits to having a Minnesota medical marijuana card.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a medical card?

Yes, to participate in the Minnesota medical marijuana program, you need to have a Minnesota medical marijuana doctor certify that you live with a qualifying condition through the Medical Cannabis Registry.

Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Minnesota?

Only patients who are legal Minnesota residents and have been certified with one of the qualifying conditions are eligible to receive medical cannabis in Minnesota.

Qualifying conditions for Minnesota medical cannabis include:

Alzheimer’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Autism spectrum disorder (must meet DSM-5)
Cancer*
Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder
Chronic pain
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
Intractable pain (see here for a definition of intractable pain)
Irritable bowel syndrome (effective Aug. 1, 2023)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (effective Aug. 1, 2023)
Obstructive sleep apnea
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Sickle cell disease
Terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of less than one year*
Tourette syndrome

You may also qualify if your illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following: severe or chronic pain; nausea or severe vomiting; or cachexia or severe wasting.

How do I get a medical cannabis card in Minnesota?

Before you can participate in the Minnesota medical marijuana program, you must get your medical condition certified online in the Medical Cannabis Registry by a Minnesota-licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

Compassionate Clinics of America is able to provide a licensed medical marijuana doctor to provide this through online evaluation appointments.

Once your health care practitioner certifies your condition, you will be sent an email by the Office of Medical Cannabis which will include verification of medical records of your condition being certified by your health care practitioner and a personalized online enrollment link for the Medical Cannabis Registry.

If your enrollment application is not submitted and approved by the Office of Medical Cannabis within 90 days, your certification will expire. To ensure timely approval, please complete your enrollment application within the initial 60 days of certification.

Prior to initiating your online enrollment, ensure you have your government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and a digital camera or mobile phone to capture an image of your ID and, if applicable, your medical assistance plan document ready.

Your completed enrollment application will be reviewed by office staff. This may take up to 30 days, and you will receive an email as soon as your application has been processed.

What are the benefits of having a medical cannabis card?

There are several benefits to being a medical cannabis patient in Missouri and participating in the state’s medical cannabis program.

Being a medical marijuana patient in Missouri offers legal protection, access to medical marijuana through state-licensed dispensaries, expanded treatment options for various medical conditions, higher possession limits compared to recreational users, and the ability to cultivate a limited number of cannabis plants for personal use.

These benefits may vary based on individual circumstances and state regulations.

How much does it cost to get a Minnesota medical marijuana card?

As of July 2023, the state waived the fee to register for the Minnesota medical cannabis program.

The cost to visit a Minnesota medical marijuana doctor with Compassionate Clinics of America for a medical cannabis certification in Minnesota is $199.

The renewal fee for a medical cannabis certification is $125.

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How long is my ID card valid in Minnesota?

A medical marijuana card in Minnesota is valid for a period of one (1) year.

When can I renew my ID card?

If you go through the medical marijuana certification process with Compassionate Clinics of America, we will notify you well in advance when it is time to renew your medical marijuana card.

Can I apply to be a caregiver in Minnesota?

In certain cases, patients may require assistance to administer medical cannabis or have someone purchase their medical marijuana products for them from a dispensary. This is where a caregiver can play a supportive role.

To become a designated caregiver, you must register with Minnesota’s medical marijuana Program and undergo a background check. Caregivers need to be at least 18 years of age to qualify.

I live in another state, can I apply?

No, unfortunately cannabis reciprocity does not extend to Minnesota and dispensaries will not recognize a medical marijuana card from another state. Medical cannabis patients must be a Minnesota resident to get a medical marijuana card and purchase medical marijuana.

Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in Minnesota?

According to Minnesota law, cannabis can only be legally used by adults on private property, in private homes, and in places with an approved license or an event permit.

How long does it take to process my application?

It may take up to 30 days for your completed application to be processed after submission.

Will I be given a temporary card while my application is being processed?

It can take up to 30 days for an application to be processed and the certification process to be fully complete; this is important to keep in mind when renewing so that you’re not without the ability to purchase medical cannabis.

Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?

Yes! If you live with one of the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana in Minnesota, you are invited to book an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor at Compassionate Clinics of America.

The appointments to certify patients for medical marijuana cards are fully online and can be done from the comfort of your own home of living room.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to connect to a licensed marijuana doctor in Minnesota and start the process to get a Minnesota medical marijuana card.

When does the physician certification expire?

The certification for medical marijuana patients in Minnesota are valid for a period of one (1) year.

Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in Minnesota?

Feel free to connect with us anytime at [email protected] or call us at (888) 611-4820.