Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Minnesota?
No, medical marijuana is not currently legal in Minnesota. However, in May of 2014, Minnesota did pass a law allowing for the use of medical cannabis in a limited form. This law allows qualified patients to receive medical cannabis in pill, oil, or vapor form to treat certain medical conditions, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and seizures.What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?
The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use in Minnesota are:1. Cancer associated with severe/chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting
2. Glaucoma
3. HIV/AIDS
4. Tourette Syndrome
5. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
6. Seizures, including those characteristic of Epilepsy
7. Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis
8. Crohn’s disease
9. Terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of less than one year, if the illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following: severe/chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting
3. Intractable Pain (defined as pain that has not responded to ordinary medications, treatment or surgical measures for more than six months)
How Do I Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?
To get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota, you must first become a patient registered with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program. To register, you must get a written certification from a medical professional that you have a qualifying condition to use medical cannabis in Minnesota. Qualifying conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than one year. You must also be a Minnesota resident and have proof of residency when registering as a patient. Once you have a written certification from your physician, you can then register with the Minnesota Department of Health online or by mail. Upon registration, you will receive your medical marijuana card.What Is The Process For Applying For A Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the process for applying for a medical marijuana card is the same for all qualifying patients. To begin, you will need to complete the Minnesota Department of Health’s online patient registration form. This form will require you to provide information about your medical condition, current medications, and any other pertinent information. Once your form is submitted, the Department of Health will review your application and determine if you are eligible for a medical marijuana card.After your application is approved, you will be issued a medical marijuana card and will be able to purchase medical marijuana from a Minnesota-licensed dispensary. In order to purchase medical marijuana, you must present your medical marijuana card at the dispensary and show identification that matches the information provided on your registration form. You must be 21 years of age or older in order to purchase medical marijuana in Minnesota.
Where Can I Find A List Of Licensed Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Minnesota?
Unfortunately, the state of Minnesota does not maintain a list of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. However, you can find a list of registered medical cannabis manufacturers on the Minnesota Department of Health website.What Are The Possession Limits For Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, patients who are enrolled in the Medical Cannabis Program may possess up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana (up to a maximum of a 2.5 ounces at any one time). The patient’s practitioner must establish the amount of medical marijuana they need to treat their condition.Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?
No, you cannot legally grow your own medical marijuana in Minnesota. The state currently does not allow individuals to grow their own medical marijuana.How Do Medical Marijuana Laws Affect Employment And Drug Testing in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Medical Cannabis law does not provide any protection for medical cannabis users from private employers. Private employers may still conduct drug tests and refuse to hire or terminate employees who test positive for cannabis.Public employers must consider an individual’s status as a qualifying patient under the law when making employment decisions. Any employer may not refuse to employ a person solely because they are a qualifying patient or because of a positive drug test result, unless the employer can show that the employee’s use of medical cannabis is a conflict with the essential functions of the job.
Employers may impose disciplinary actions against employees who are under the influence of medical cannabis while at work, or who fail to comply with company drug policies or workplace safety rules. The law also permits employers to prohibit medical cannabis use or possession of medical cannabis in the workplace, and requires employees to comply with such policies.
Ultimately, it is up to each employer in Minnesota to decide how it will handle drug testing and employment decisions related to medical marijuana use. It is important for employers to review their state laws and policies and understand how they may be affected by changes in the law.
Are There Age Restrictions For Medical Marijuana Patients in Minnesota?
Yes, there are age restrictions for medical marijuana patients in Minnesota. Under the current law, only patients 21 years of age or older can be certified to receive medical marijuana in Minnesota. Minors may be certified only in very limited circumstances, with the approval of two certified physicians and the Minnesota Department of Health.What Forms Of Medical Marijuana Are Available in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, only medical marijuana in pill, liquid, or vapor forms is available. The only state-approved cannabis products are pills or capsules, liquids, and vaporizable oils. Patients may not obtain marijuana in plant form.Are There Reciprocity Agreements For Out-Of-State Medical Marijuana Patients in Minnesota?
No, there are no reciprocity agreements for out-of-state medical marijuana patients in Minnesota. Patients visiting Minnesota from other states must adhere to the same laws and regulations as Minnesota residents.What Are The Penalties For Using Or Possessing Medical Marijuana Without A Card in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, it is illegal to possess, use, or sell marijuana for medical or recreational purposes without a valid medical marijuana card. Possession of fewer than 42.5 grams or use of marijuana without a valid medical marijuana card is considered a misdemeanor crime, punishable by a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. For possession of larger amounts of marijuana, the penalties become more serious and may include up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $3,000.Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card If I’M Not A Resident in Minnesota?
No, you must be a resident of Minnesota to be eligible for a medical marijuana card in the state. To qualify for a card, you must be 18 years of age or older and have one or more of the following qualifying conditions: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette’s syndrome, ALS, seizures, intractable pain, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than one year. You will also need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or other identification documents.What Is The Role Of Doctors In Recommending Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, doctors are allowed to recommend medical marijuana to patients for certain medical conditions. The Minnesota Department of Health requires that a doctor certify that a patient has a qualifying medical condition and that medical marijuana may help treat it. Patients must then register with the state’s medical marijuana program and obtain their medicine from a state-licensed dispensary. Doctors can also answer any questions that patients may have about the use of medical marijuana and help them understand the risks and potential benefits.Are There Restrictions On Where I Can Use Medical Marijuana in Minnesota?
Yes, there are restrictions on where medical marijuana can be used in Minnesota. Medical marijuana must be used in private. It cannot be used in any public place, such as a park, school, government building, or in a vehicle. Medical marijuana must also not be used in any place where smoking is prohibited.Can I Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card Online in Minnesota?
No, medical marijuana cards must be applied for in person at a Minnesota Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program office. There you will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and your qualifying medical condition to get approved for a card.What Are The Fees Associated With Obtaining A Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?
The cost of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Minnesota varies by provider. Generally, the cost of a medical exam ranges from $125 to $250 and the cost of the state registration fee is $200. Patients must also pay a $20 background check fee. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining the necessary lab tests.Do I Have To Notify My Employer If I Have A Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?
Yes, you must notify your employer if you have a medical marijuana card in Minnesota. Under Minnesota’s medical marijuana law, employers are required to accommodate employees’ use of medical marijuana when it is prescribed for a qualifying medical condition. Employers must also ensure that employees prescribed medical marijuana do not face discrimination or adverse employment decisions.Can Medical Marijuana Patients Purchase Firearms in Minnesota?
No, medical marijuana patients cannot purchase firearms in Minnesota, as the state is bound by federal law which prohibits the sale of firearms to anyone who unlawfully uses or is addicted to any controlled substance.What Legal Protections Do Medical Marijuana Patients Have in Minnesota?
Medical marijuana patients in Minnesota have some legal protections under Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program. These protections include:1. Protection from arrest, prosecution, and penalty in any state or Local Court for medical marijuana use that is permitted under the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program;
2. Protection from civil and criminal penalties for possession, cultivation, delivery, and transfer of marijuana for medical use;
3. A defense to criminal charges of possession and delivery of marijuana for medical use if they can prove their possession or delivery was for medical use;
4. The right to access medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries;
5. The right to possess up to a 30-day supply of non-smokable medical cannabis at any given time;
6. Protection from discrimination in the areas of housing, school admissions, and employment due to their status as a medical cannabis patient;
7. Access to the same protections against search and seizure as non-medical cannabis users; and
8. The right to challenge any laws, rules, or regulations which conflict with their rights under the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program in court.