Steps to Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Minnesota

LOS ANGELES- Since 2015, Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program has provided treatment options for individuals with debilitating medical conditions, aiming to improve their quality of life. The following information outlines the steps to become a patient in the program.

Step 1: Certification of Medical Condition

To participate, a patient must be a Minnesota resident and have at least one qualifying medical condition certified. Certification can be obtained online in the Medical Cannabis Registry by a Minnesota-licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. Veterans can use a separate certification form available online.

Tips for Finding a Health Care Practitioner:

• Ask your medical team or advocacy groups.
• Search online, including websites of Minnesota’s medical cannabis manufacturers like Green Goods and RISE.

Note: The Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) does not maintain or share a list of participating health care practitioners.

Before visiting a health care practitioner, consider setting up a personal email account for updates and information from the OMC. During the visit, provide this email address and ask for an appointment summary and a list of current medications. These documents will be necessary for the initial visit at a Medical Cannabis Dispensary.

After certification by a health care practitioner or submission of a veteran certification form, an email from the OMC will confirm your condition and provide a unique online enrollment link for the Medical Cannabis Registry. Ensure your enrollment application is submitted within 90 days of certification to avoid expiration.

Step 2: Enrollment Process

Upon receiving the certification email, follow the provided link to enroll in the program. If assistance is needed, you can add a caregiver, parent/legal guardian, or spouse to your account.

Before starting the online enrollment, gather:

• Minnesota Driver’s License or Identification Card
• Mobile device for capturing an ID image
• Parent/legal guardian or spouse ID and birth/marriage certificate, if applicable

For detailed information, refer to “How to Register in the Medical Cannabis Program (PDF).” The OMC staff will review your completed enrollment application within 30 days and may contact you for additional information if needed.

Step 3: Purchasing Medical Cannabis

Once enrollment is approved, access the Medical Cannabis Registry account to purchase medical cannabis at a designated dispensary.

Before visiting a Medical Cannabis Dispensary:

• Complete and submit the Patient Self-Evaluation online.
• Schedule an appointment.

Note: The OMC does not approve the Patient Self-Evaluation or dispense medical cannabis. Dispensary staff will approve the evaluation at the time of pick-up.

A pharmacist will review your account and recommend medication. Bring the following to the dispensary:

• Minnesota photo ID (and caregiver’s ID if applicable)
• List of prescribed medications
• Visit summary from the certifying health care practitioner
• Payment for the medicine (insurance does not cover medical cannabis costs)

Patients must re-enroll every three years to continue participating in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program. For more details, refer to “How to Re-enroll in the Medical Cannabis Program.”