When Minnesota’s medical cannabis program started, there were only nine conditions that qualified patients. There are now 19 conditions that qualify patients for the program, and next August, OCD and IBS will be added, bringing the total to 21.
Regulators decided against adding opioid use disorder and gastroparesis, a stomach and digestion-related condition, to the list of qualifying conditions.
Most Minnesotans have been able to self-medicate with cannabis since July 1, when the state made it legal for adults 21 and older to buy THC-infused gummies and other similar products. But that hasn’t stopped people from joining the state’s medical cannabis program. According to a report, more 39,000 patients are now enrolled in the program, up from 29,000 in 2021.
Patients with new qualifying medical conditions will be able to join the state’s medical cannabis program on July 1, 2023. Starting August 1, 2023, they will be able to get medical cannabis from either of the state’s two medical cannabis manufacturers. Patients need to get approval ahead of time from a participating Minnesota healthcare provider.
MSN reported that when the Minnesota Legislature gave the go-ahead for the state’s medical cannabis program, the law said that a patient could get medical cannabis if they met nine conditions. Under state rules, each year the commissioner of health decides if there should be any new qualifying conditions or ways to give the medicine.
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