It has been several years since the passage of the Minnesota Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA), and yet we find many in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are still uncertain about what they have to do to get a Minnesota Marijuana Card.
Well we here at Minnesota Marijuana Cards are aiming to become your one-stop-shop for medical marijuana news and information, so we put this handy guide together to help you through the process. So read on, or, better yet, reserve an appointment with one of our doctors today and let us do some of the work for you!
Do I Qualify for a Minnesota Marijuana Card?
Cards are only issued to Minnesota residents who have no convictions for drug-related felonies, aren’t currently enrolled in a federally-approved research program in which they are given marijuana, and who have one or more of the qualifying conditions.
“Qualifying Conditions?” What are those?
Qualifying conditions are medical conditions or symptoms that the MMMA recognizes as suitable for treatment with medical marijuana.
The conditions currently recognized by the state are:
Cancer or other terminal illness with a life expectancy of under one year and one or more of the following symptoms: severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Tourette syndrome
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those caused by multiple sclerosis (MS)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Intractable pain
Autism
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (PDF)
Alzheimer's Disease
Sickle cell disease (effective August 1, 2021)
Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (effective August 1, 2021)
I Have a Qualifying Condition, so Does That Mean I Can Have a Card?
Maybe. You still need to have your condition certified by a doctor licensed by Minnesota. A registered nurse or physician’s assistant may also certify your condition in some situations.
According to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, “Finding a medical marijuana doctor can be tough.”
Unlike some other states with medical marijuana programs, Minnesota’s Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) does not maintain a list of doctors who work with marijuana patients. So, as the Pioneer Press says, “Patients must find them through research and word of mouth.”
Of course, you can always let us connect you with one of our doctors.
Preparing for Your Appointment
You’ll need to print off and fill out the Patient Email and Acknowledgement Form and bring it with you to give to your doctor.
While there, you’ll also need to ask your doctor for a summary of your appointment and a list of your prescribed medications, and you’ll need to take those with you when you pick up your medicine at the dispensary.
If you and your doctor determine that medical marijuana is right for you, they will notify the OMC, and you’ll be placed on the Patient Registry and receive a confirmation email from the OMC.
Almost There; Stay on Target
You’re still not quite done, but you’re almost there.
In your confirmation email from the OMC, you’ll find a registration link. Before clicking on it, make sure you have the following at the ready:
Your government-issued ID: a state ID, driver’s license, or passport
A camera to capture images of your identification
A credit or debit card or check to pay the annual registration fee (the full fee is $200, but there is a reduced fee of $50 available for qualified patients)
If you want to apply for a discounted fee, be sure to have proof that you receive one of the following:
Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Disability (including those transitioned to retirement benefits)
MinnesotaCare
Indian Health Service assistance
Railroad disability
Veterans Administration dependency and indemnity compensation
Veteran’s disability benefits
Once all of that is received and processed by the OMC, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Congratulations; you’re now a registered Minnesota Marijuana Cardholder!
Is There Some Way to Make the Process Easier?
Yep: Let us jump through some of those hoops!
Reserve an appointment with one of our doctors today. Just as soon as we’re cleared to, we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our qualified, compassionate marijuana physicians.
You’ll meet with your doctor via a telemedicine appointment from the safety of your home using a smartphone or computer. You’ll also save $25 off the cost of your appointment!
If you and your doctor decide medical marijuana is right for you, they will provide you with the state-required certification, putting you on the road to the relief that only medical marijuana can provide!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-6671, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
And don’t forget to check out Minnesota Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.