Why Your Medical Cannabis Registration Still Matters

Minnesota recently legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, and as a result many are wondering if there's still a need for medical cannabis in the state.

The short answer is a resounding “YES!”  While adults 21 and over can now legally possess and use cannabis, those who can qualify for medical cannabis still stand to gain significant advantages by obtaining or maintaining their medical cannabis program registration. This page delves into the top reasons why the medical program remains a valuable resource for cannabis patients in Minnesota.

From cost savings and higher possession limits to access to more diverse products and personalized medical guidance, obtaining medical cannabis registration offers numerous benefits for qualifying patients and the advantages can be significant.

NOTE: If you have a Qualifying Condition, exploring the medical cannabis program could potentially lead you to more effective and affordable treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Veterans may self-certify and do not need a certification from a registered healthcare provider.

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Key Benefits of a Medical Card in MN

First things first, there are no actual physical medical cards in Minnesota. Patients must complete an enrollment application with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program and once approved, submit Patient Self-Evaluations in their registry portal to purchase medical cannabis. Some key benefits to program enrollment include:

• Lower Costs and Tax Exemptions — One of the primary benefits of having a medical cannabis card in Minnesota is the potential for cost savings.

  
  

  Medical cannabis is exempt from state sales tax, and this exemption can lead to considerable savings over time, especially for those who rely on cannabis as a regular part of their treatment regimen. Minnesota has also eliminated the $200 fee for medical cannabis patient registration, making the program even more accessible to those who need it most.

  
  

• Higher Possession Limits — Another benefit to medical cannabis cardholders in Minnesota is higher possession limits compared to recreational users.

  
  

  While recreational consumers are restricted to 2 ounces in public and 2 pounds at home, medical patients have more generous possession allowances to ensure that they have sufficient medicine for their conditions. This higher limit ensures that patients have sufficient access to their medicine, which is particularly crucial for those managing chronic conditions that require consistent treatment.
  

• Access to More Potent and Diverse Products — The range and potency of available products present another significant advantage for medical cannabis patients.

  
  

  Medical dispensaries typically offer a wider range of products that are often more potent than those available for recreational use, and are specifically cultivated for their medicinal properties. This variety allows patients to find the most effective treatment for their particular condition, whether that's chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, etc. The ability to access these specialized products can make a world of difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

  
  

• Immediate Access to Established Dispensaries — While recreational cannabis was legalized for possession and use in Minnesota in 2023, it's taken some additional time for cannabis sales to be regulated throughout the state and for recreational dispensaries to become operational.

  
  

  Medical cannabis patients, however, have had immediate access to established medical dispensaries, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of their medication without any waiting period.
  

• No Age Restrictions for Qualifying Patients — Age restrictions present another area where the medical program differs greatly from adult-rec.

  
  

  Recreational cannabis use in Minnesota is restricted to adults 21 and older. However, qualifying patients 18 and older can register for the medical cannabis program to access various non-combustible treatment options. Additionally, minors with qualifying conditions can access medical cannabis through registered caregivers, providing access for younger patients. This broader age range is crucial for younger patients who may benefit from cannabis treatments but would otherwise be excluded from the recreational market.
  

• Personalized Medical Guidance — One of the most valuable aspects of the medical cannabis program is the personalized guidance it offers.

  
  

  Medical cannabis patients benefit from consultations with healthcare professionals who specialize in cannabis treatments. These experts can provide personalized advice on varieties, dosages, and consumption methods tailored to the patient's specific condition. This level of personalized care simply isn't available in the recreational market and can be invaluable in ensuring the most effective treatment possible.
  

• Legal Protections — The laws around cannabis represent another area where those registered in the medical cannabis program may have an advantage.

  
  

  While recreational possession and use is now legal, medical cannabis patients still enjoy additional legal protections, particularly in employment and housing situations. Being registered in the medical cannabis program can provide an extra layer of protection against discrimination, offering peace of mind to patients who rely on cannabis for their well-being.

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Upcoming Changes to the Medical Cannabis Program

For those considering whether they might qualify for the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program, it's worth noting that the state recognizes a wide range of conditions.

If you're living with a qualifying condition, then the legalization of recreational cannabis in Minnesota is undoubtedly a significant step forward. But medical cannabis remains a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their health and quality of life in Minnesota, and the Medical Cannabis Program in the state continues to offer substantial benefits for qualifying patients post-legalization.

Additional updates and upcoming changes to the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program include:

• The annual enrollment fee for patients has been eliminated, effective July 2023
  

• A patient's initial certification visit with a healthcare practitioner can be conducted via telemedicine, effective August 2023
  

• Patients will recertify their qualifying medical condition every three years, instead of annually, effective March 2025
  

• Medical cannabis patients enrolled in programs in another US state, district, commonwealth, or territory will be able to purchase medical cannabis in Minnesota under a visiting patient option, effective March 2025
  

• The age for registered caregivers to purchase cannabis flower will be 18, rather than 21, effective March 2025

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