What are Medical Marijuana Laws in Minnesota?(2023)

Yes, Minnesota allows the medical use of marijuana. Recreational use of weed is still prohibited and considered a criminal offense. However, a restricted amount of hemp-derivative-containing food and beverage has been made eligible for consumption. Non-medical recreational smoking of weed is illegal in Minnesota.

Minnesota Medical Marijuana Laws

The Minnesota Department of Health administers the Medical Cannabis Program and Registry in MN. It maintains an archive of patients, caregivers, and medical practitioners and publicizes the program rules.

Possession and Penalties

Registered and qualified patientsCan hold up to a 30-day supply of marijuana with them at any amount of dosage as prescribed by the pharmacist.

For Non-registered MinnesotansPossession of fewer than 42.5 grams (1.5 ounces) of weed is a misdemeanor. First-time offenders may be ordered to attend drug rehab and a fine of up to $300. Possessing more than 42.5 grams of cannabis is considered a felony.

For two in-state manufacturersTo be registered in the state, each manufacturer must have one manufacturing facility and is permitted to have eight distribution sites throughout the state.

Minnesota Marijuana Consumption Laws

In Minnesota, only certain forms of marijuana are permitted for consumption even for medical purposes. Prescription of dosage can be provided in one of the below-mentioned forms.

1. Capsules
2. Liquid, including oil
3. Tablets
4. Oral sprays
5. Tinctures
6. Topicals
7. Vaporization cartridges

Any kind of activity that might be considered professional malpractice or prompt negligence under the influence of marijuana is considered an offense in Minnesota.

• Operating a Vehicle
• Boarding on public transport
• Being in the circumstances of child-care facilities, children’s parks, etc…

Caregiving

Unlike other states, Minnesota requires a patient to request a caregiver during the certification process itself if the patient is disabled or under the age of 18. The request must be approved by the healthcare practitioner providing the dosage for the particular patient.

• A caregiver can be a guardian, parent, or spouse of the patient.
• When the caregiver is approved, they can register on behalf of the patient.
• Submission of documents such as birth or adoption certificate or legal guardian documents, or marriage license is a must.

1. Once the registration is done, the caregiver has to wait for an email from the state.
2. A link will be sent through the mail and the caregiver must enroll through the provided link.
3. Submit the government ID proofs.
4. Print, complete, and mail background check form, $15 check, and stamped, self-addressed envelope (can take up to 30 days).
5. Finally, you will receive the confirmation email to be a legal caregiver.

Reciprocity

The state does not have reciprocity. And thus, neither does it recognize out-of-state cards.

Employment Discrimination

In Minnesota, employers may not discriminate against an employee based on their Minnesota Medical Cannabis Registry. 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.

Who Can Use Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s initial qualifying conditions for the state medical cannabis program included:

• ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (Meeting DSM-5)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cancer with an underlying condition or treatment that causes severe or nausea, or severe vomiting, or cachexia
• Chronic Pain
• Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
• Glaucoma
• Intractable Pain
• HIV/AIDS
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Seizures/Epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, spasticity
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s Disease
• Terminal illness with a life expectancy of under one year
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Necessary Documents

Along with having a qualifying condition, a Minnesota resident must prove their place of address with a valid state driver’s license or identification card.
The state fee for the Minnesota Medical Cannabis application is $200 which is paid annually. Patients who have SSI, or SSD, or are enrolled in MinnesotaCare may be eligible for a reduced fee of $50.

Is Weed Legal in Minnesota?

2014

• Gov. Mark Dayton signed the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act into law making Minnesota the 23rd state to pass medical marijuana legislation.
• This law enabled the treatment of nine severe medical conditions with marijuana.

2015

• The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act began registration and actual distribution of prescribed medical marijuana.

2022

• With the Medical Cannabis Program and Registry in Minnesota, you can purchase flowers, gummies, and chews if there is a prescription by the doctor in the pharmacy.

Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card Expiration

Your Minnesota medical marijuana card recommendation is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. Re-evaluation by a doctor and obtaining an updated medical marijuana recommendation once every year is mandatory to continue consuming medical marijuana products legally.

Other Forms of Marijuana

• Since March 2022, registered patients ages 21 and older can access smokable medical cannabis.
• As of August 2022, registered patients can access marijuana in form of gummies and chews.

Bottom Line

As far as Medical Marijuana Laws in Minnesota are concerned, it serve the citizen’s right. All the laws have been laid out to make patients feel helpful and as qualified citizens, it is one’s duty to abide by the laws for the consumption of marijuana be it recreational or medicinal.