Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program

Last verified: March 2026

Overview of Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Program

Minnesota's medical cannabis program launched in 2014 under the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Act and began serving patients in July 2015. Originally one of the most restrictive programs in the country (no smokable flower), it has expanded significantly and now operates under the Division of Medical Cannabis within the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

With over 60,000 registered patients, the program provides access to a wide range of cannabis products through 17 dispensary locations across the state. Since HF 100 passed in 2023, the enrollment fee has been eliminated entirely, and patients enjoy tax-exempt purchases — saving approximately 22–30% compared to recreational prices.

Qualifying Conditions

Minnesota recognizes 20+ qualifying medical conditions plus open-ended provider discretion. The current qualifying conditions include:

• Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette syndrome
• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), seizures/epilepsy
• Severe/chronic pain, severe muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis
• Crohn's disease, terminal illness (prognosis <1 year)
• Intractable pain, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder
• Obstructive sleep apnea, Alzheimer's disease
• Sickle cell disease, chronic motor or vocal tic disorder
• Any condition a provider determines may benefit from medical cannabis

The open-ended provider discretion provision means that if your healthcare provider believes cannabis may help your condition — even if it is not on the specific list — they can certify you for the program.

How to Enroll: Step by Step

1. Provider certification. See a Minnesota-licensed healthcare provider (physician, APRN, PA, or dentist) who is registered with OCM. Your provider certifies that you have a qualifying condition and that cannabis may benefit you. Telehealth is permitted for certifications.
2. Online registration. Create an account at the OCM Division of Medical Cannabis patient portal and submit your registration application. No fee is required.
3. Patient self-evaluation. Complete a patient self-evaluation form as part of the registration process.
4. Dispensary appointment with pharmacist. Schedule your first visit at a medical dispensary. A registered pharmacist will guide you through product selection, dosing, and administration methods. This pharmacist consultation is a unique feature of Minnesota's program.

Veterans

Minnesota provides streamlined access for veterans: veterans can self-certify for the medical cannabis program without needing a separate provider certification. This removes a significant barrier for veterans who may have difficulty accessing VA providers willing to discuss cannabis.

Medical Dispensary Locations

Minnesota's medical cannabis program operates through 17 dispensary locations across the state, run by three licensed manufacturers:

Medical dispensaries offer pharmacist-guided consultations, a wider range of medical-specific products, and tax-exempt pricing.

Advantages Over Recreational

Even though recreational cannabis is now legal in Minnesota, the medical program offers several significant advantages:

Caregiver Rules

Patients may designate a caregiver to assist with obtaining and administering cannabis:

• Caregivers must be 21 years of age or older
• Caregivers may grow cannabis for patients: 8 plants for the patient + 8 personal = 16 total, with a maximum of 8 flowering at any time
• Minor patients must have a parent or legal guardian as caregiver

Official Resources

• OCM Division of Medical Cannabis — Main Page
• Qualifying Conditions List
• How to Enroll
• Dispensary Locations
• Patient Registry Portal