Updated on May 11, 2020. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
The Minnesota Department of Health added chronic pain and age-related macular degeneration as new qualifying conditions for the state’s medical cannabis program. Under state law, the new conditions will take effect in August 2020.
MDH also approved two new delivery methods to give patients more options. The new methods being added are water-soluble cannabinoid multi-particulates (for example, granules, powders and sprinkles) and orally dissolvable products such as lozenges and gums.
The program’s two medical cannabis manufacturers will double the number of patient cannabis treatment centers. These new sites will mean greater access to cannabis treatment centers in Minnesota.
May 29, 2014, the SF 2470 was approved, and signed into law by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (effective May 30, 2014), effectively removing all state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana, by patients possessing the medical recommendation from their physician, stating that he or she may benefit from the medical use of marijuana.
August 2016, intractable pain is added to the qualifying list of ailments for the Minnesota Medical Marijuana Program
Minnesota Medical Marijuana Program — S.F. No. 2470
LAWS of MINNESOTA 2014
CHAPTER 311, S2
A bill for an act relating to health; providing for medical cannabis registry program; authorizing rulemaking; establishing duties of patients, health care practitioners, and manufacturer of medical cannabis; establishing patient protections; imposing penalties; establishing fees; requiring impact assessment of medical cannabis therapeutic research; requiring audits; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 13.3806, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0625, subdivision 13d; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 152.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 13.3806, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 22. – Medical use of cannabis data. Data collected under the registry program authorized under sections 152.22 to 152.37 are governed by sections 152.25, subdivision 1; 152.28, subdivision 2; and 152.37, subdivision 3.
Sec. 2. [152.22] DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1. – Applicability. For purposes of sections 152.22 to 152.37, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2. – Commissioner. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of health. Subd. 3. Disqualifying felony offense. “Disqualifying felony offense” means a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that is a felony under Minnesota law, or would be a felony if committed in Minnesota, regardless of the sentence imposed, unless the commissioner determines that the person’s conviction was for the medical use of cannabis or assisting with the medical use of cannabis.
Subd. 4. – Healthcare practitioner. “Health care practitioner” means a Minnesota licensed doctor of medicine, a Minnesota licensed physician assistant acting within the scope of authorized practice, or a Minnesota licensed advanced practice registered nurse who has the primary responsibility for the care and treatment of the qualifying medical condition of a person diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
Subd. 5. – Health records. “Health records” means health records as de ned in section 144.291, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).
Subd. 6. – Medical cannabis. “Medical cannabis” means any species of the genus cannabis plant, or any mixture or preparation of them, including whole plant extracts and resins, and is delivered in the form of:
(1) liquid, including, but not limited to, oil;
(2) pill;
(3) vaporized delivery method with use of liquid or oil but which does not require the use of dried leaves or plant form; or
(4) any other method, excluding smoking, approved by the commissioner.
Subd. 7. – Medical cannabis manufacturer. “Medical cannabis manufacturer” or “manufacturer” means an entity registered by the commissioner to cultivate, acquire, manufacture, possess, prepare, transfer, transport, supply, or dispense medical cannabis, delivery devices, or related supplies and educational materials.
Subd. 8. – Medical cannabis product. “Medical cannabis product” means any delivery device or related supplies and educational materials used in the administration of medical cannabis for a patient with a qualifying medical condition enrolled in the registry program.
Subd. 9. – Patient. “Patient” means a Minnesota resident who has been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a healthcare practitioner and who has otherwise met any other requirements for patients under sections 152.22 to 152.37 to participate in the registry program under sections 152.22 to 152.37.
Subd. 10. – Patient registry number. “Patient registry number” means a unique identification number assigned by the commissioner to a patient enrolled in the registry program.
Subd. 11. – Registered designated caregiver. “Registered designated caregiver” means a person who:
READ MORE — S.F. No. 2470 [FULL TEXT]
* A conditional discharge is possible for first-time offenders.
* There is a possible drug education course requirement.
* There is a possible drug education course requirement.
Possession of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $300.
Offense |
Penalty |
Incarceration |
Max. Fine |
Possession |
|||
Less than 42.5 g* |
Misdemeanor |
N/A |
$200 |
42.5 g – 10 kg |
Felony |
5 years |
$5,000 |
10 – 50 kg |
Felony |
20 years |
$250,000 |
50 – 100 kg |
Felony |
25 years |
$500,000 |
More than 100 kg |
Felony |
30 years |
$1,000,000 |
More than 1.4 grams inside one’s vehicle (except the trunk) |
Misdemeanor |
90 days |
$1,000 |
* A conditional discharge is possible for first time offenders. | |||
* There is a possible drug education course requirement. | |||
Sale or Distribution |
|||
Less than 42.5 g* without remuneration |
Misdemeanor |
N/A |
$200 |
42.5 g – 5 kg |
Felony |
5 years |
$10,000 |
5 – 25 kg |
Felony |
20 years |
$250,000 |
25 – 50 kg |
Felony |
25 years |
$500,000 |
More than 50 kg |
Felony |
30 years |
$1,000,000 |
Importing 50 kilograms or more |
Felony |
35 years |
$1,250,000 |
To a minor |
Felony |
20 years |
$250,000 |
Within a school zone or other specified areas |
Felony |
15 years |
$100,000 |
More than 25 kg in a school zone |
Felony |
30 years |
$1,000,000 |
* There is a possible drug education course requirement. | |||
Hash & Concentrates |
|||
Penalties for hashish and marijuana are generally treated equally under the law. | |||
Paraphernalia |
|||
Possession of paraphernalia. |
Misdemeanor |
N/A |
$300 |
Miscellaneous |
|||
Conviction for possession or sale while driving may result in a 30 day driver’s license suspension. |
Finally, a helpful & informative website! MarijuanaDoctors.com answered all of my medical marijuana questions and helped me schedule an appointment with an accredited doctor in my area.~Susan - Denver, CO