How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 10, 2024
Welcome to the best guide on applying for the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program!
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- How do I apply for the Minnesota medical marijuana card?
- What should I know about the MN Medical Cannabis Program?
- What are the guidelines for medical cannabis patients in Minnesota?
All the information on this page comes from the official MN Division of Medical Cannabis website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s proceed.
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Applying for the MN Medical Cannabis Program
While recreational cannabis is legal, choosing medical marijuana in Minnesota has its benefits. As a medical marijuana patient, you can:
- Buy marijuana at cheaper rates
- Enjoy enhanced legal protections
- Access cannabis more easily from established dispensaries in the state
And it gets better: Becoming a medical marijuana patient in MN is easy!
To get started, a doctor registered with the Medical Cannabis Registry must certify you.
The certification process is simple, thanks to Minnesota allowing telemedicine appointments, which we provide. You can schedule a video call with one of our qualified MN medical marijuana doctors from the comfort of your home.
Start by filling out our short questionnaire form and booking an online consultation. Don’t let the hassle of traditional doctor’s office visits hold you back any longer.
Cannabis doctors in MN typically certify patients suffering from a qualifying condition. However, your doctor may still approve marijuana treatment if they believe you could benefit from it—even if your illness is not on the 2024 MN list of medical marijuana conditions.
What are the Criteria for the MN Medical Cannabis Application?
A marijuana certification from a licensed THC doctor is necessary before you can apply for your medical card.
What happens after a successful consultation? Expect an email from the Division of Medical Cannabis containing your certification and an enrollment link. You’ll use this link to register with Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program and apply for your medical card.
The Division of Medical Cannabis has a guide on registering for the Medical Cannabis Program.
Note: You should complete your application on the Medical Cannabis Registry within 60 days after your certification.
Before beginning your MN medical cannabis registration, ensure you meet the criteria below:
- The minimum age for adult patient registration is 18 years old.
- If the patient is a minor, their parent or legal guardian must register as a caregiver and apply on their behalf.
- Only residents of Minnesota may apply for the medical cannabis program.
Which documents do I need for the MN medical cannabis application?
Have the following documents ready for upload when completing your MN medical cannabis registration:
1. Government-issued ID indicating your physical address in Minnesota. For example:
- Minnesota ID
- Minnesota driver’s license
2. If the patient is a minor, their parent or legal guardian must upload a copy of the minor’s birth certificate, legal documentation of guardianship, or foster care.
How to Renew Your Patient Status
You have access to medical marijuana for three years when your application with the Division of Medical Cannabis is first approved. After that time, if you wish to keep patient status you need to re-enroll with the Medical Cannabis Program. You can re-enroll with the program as early as 60 days before your current registration expires.
The renewal process is much like your initial registration:
1. Book an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor in Minnesota.
2. Attend your online marijuana evaluation over a video call and get certified.
3. Complete your re-enrollment application.
4. Wait for approval.
Get recertified with Quick Med Cards! The cheapest, fastest, and most professional provider in Minnesota. Our knowledgeable doctors can recertify you even if you consulted another physician before.
When did the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program Start?
The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program began operations in 2015 after the state legalized medical marijuana on May 29, 2014.
Through the program, residents with qualifying conditions can access medical marijuana to address their health needs.
Over the years, the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program has implemented several changes to improve patients’ access to MMJ, for example,
- Expanding the list of qualifying conditions
- Eliminating state fees for the Minnesota medical card.
- Allowing patients to get certified through telemedicine.
As of June 30, 2024,
- 48,349 patients have been approved for medical marijuana.
- 2,576 doctors can certify patients for medical cannabis.
Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Same-day appointments available.
Guidelines for Registered MN Medical Cannabis Patients
The Division of Medical Cannabis will process your application within 30 days. Once you receive the approval email, you can head to a medical marijuana dispensary near you.
However, before you can buy medical marijuana, ensure:
- You complete the Patient Self-Evaluation form; available in your registry account.
- Schedule your dispensary visit.
A dispensary pharmacist will review your account and recommend an appropriate form of medical marijuana for you.
Also, take your:
- Government-issued ID
- A list of your prescribed medications (For your first visit)
- A visit summary from your certifying doctor (For your first visit)
As a medical cannabis patient, there are a few rules to follow, for instance,
- Do not drive or operate machinery while under the influence of marijuana.
- Store your medication securely and in its original packaging.
- Do not use cannabis in public.
- Do not sell or give away your medicine.
Minnesota medical marijuana dispensaries
There are 15 medical marijuana dispensaries in Minnesota. Green Goods dominates in terms of dispensary numbers with active locations in Blaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Duluth/Hermantown, Minneapolis, Moorhead, Rochester, and Woodbury. Rise Dispensaries comes in second with seven operational medical marijuana dispensaries in Minnesota.
Before heading to a Minnesota medical marijuana dispensary to buy your medicine, log in to the Medical Cannabis Registry and complete the Patient Self-evaluation report–this is necessary before all dispensary visits.
Key Takeaways
- The Office of Cannabis Management oversees the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program.
- A Minnesota cannabis doctor must certify you for MMJ first. Next, you must complete an application on the Medical Cannabis Registry to access cannabis.
- There is no state fee for the Minnesota medical marijuana card.
Common Questions about the MN Medical Cannabis Program
Below are the answers to common questions patients have about the MN Medical Cannabis Program.
Does Minnesota have medical marijuana?
Yes. Registered cannabis patients in Minnesota have had access to medical marijuana since July 1, 2015.
The only forms of medical marijuana available then were pills, liquids, and vapor oil. Now, topicals, lozenges, gum, mints, and cannabis flower are also available to patients.
Where can I find a healthcare practitioner to certify me?
You can find a licensed doctor in Minnesota participating in the Medical Cannabis Program with Quick Med Cards.
All you need to do is create your account and book an appointment with one of our MN medical marijuana doctors.
Does the MN Medical Cannabis Program issue cards to patients?
The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program does not issue physical medical cards.
If you need proof of participation in the program, you can log in to your registry account and print your digital Registry Verification Card.
How much does it cost to get medical marijuana in Minnesota?
Minnesota scraped the enrollment fees for the medical marijuana card on July 1, 2023. So, the only fee you pay is during your online evaluation with your MMJ doctor. Quick Med Cards is the cheapest provider, with costs starting from $45 to $149.
Medical marijuana products in Minnesota will cost anywhere between $30 to $230. But this depends on the type and amount of medical marijuana you buy.
What types of products are available in Minnesota?
The following forms of cannabis are available in Minnesota:
- Dried flower (for patients ages 21+)
- Gummies
- Liquids
- Lozenges
- Oils
- Pills
- Powder
- Tinctures
- Topicals
When will dried raw cannabis be available to registered patients 21 and older?
Dried raw cannabis (flower) has been available to patients aged 21+ since August 1, 2024.
Can I purchase cannabis in Minnesota with a card from another state?
No. The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program does not recognize out-of-state MMJ cards. So, visiting patients cannot buy, use, or possess medical marijuana in Minnesota.
Only MN residents registered with the Medical Cannabis Program can access medical marijuana in the state.
Can I smoke marijuana in public in Minnesota?
No. You cannot smoke marijuana in public places in Minnesota. Spaces such as schools, the workplace, and public parks are out of bounds.
Can I grow my own marijuana in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota marijuana laws allow adults aged 21 and older to grow at most eight (8) cannabis plants at home.
Patient Resources and Forms
Contact details for the Minnesota Division of Medical Cannabis
State Agency: Office of Cannabis Management
Phone: Every weekday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 651-201-5598 or 844-879-3381 (toll-free)
Mailing Address:
Division of Medical Cannabis
PO Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
Email: medical.cannabis@state.mn.us
Website: https://mn.gov/ocm/dmc/