Apply for Your Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card
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Tips for Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota
Since 2015, Minnesotans have had access to medical marijuana. The department of health must issue you a medical marijuana card before you can legally possess cannabis and make purchases from state dispensaries.
Cannabis is an effective treatment if you have a chronic medical condition that affects your quality of life and ability to function. Patients all over the country have used cannabis for decades to manage their inhibiting symptoms.
By becoming familiar with the policies and procedures that govern the application process, you can make sure that you submit a high-quality application and receive prompt approval. The only way to treat yourself with high-quality, strictly regulated medical marijuana is to have a valid card.
Ensure You Have a Qualifying Condition
To be eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card, you must have a recognized medical condition. The following conditions are acceptable for eligibility in Minnesota:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- ERheumatoid arthritis or arthritis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cancer
- Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those caused by multiple sclerosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of less than one year
- Tourette syndrome
- Intractable pain
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Meet with a Medical Marijuana Doctor
The first thing you need to do is get a medical marijuana certification from a Minnesota-licensed doctor, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. The medical cannabis program only accepts voluntary participation. Cannabis certifications may not be granted by your doctor.
The best way to understand the potential of cannabis and guarantee a successful course of treatment is to speak with a medical marijuana physician. The best people to help you understand the advantages, dangers, and restrictions of marijuana are these providers.
Your condition and how it affects your life will be discussed with the provider. Cachexia, severe wasting, MS symptoms, epilepsy symptoms, and multiple sclerosis symptoms are recurring qualifying conditions in Minnesota. Tell them what you hope to get out of medical marijuana and ask them any THC-related questions you may have. Be open about your prescriptions and medical history to weed out any potential contraindications.
They will use the Minnesota system to issue an electronic certification. Once you have established that you are a qualified patient, you can create an online account and submit your application to the Office of Medical Cannabis.
Apply for and Obtain Your MMJ Card
After the state receives the electronic certification, you will receive an email with a link to sign up for the cannabis program. Make sure to check your spam folder and give your doctor a working email address. The certification you received from your doctor is only good for 90 days. Since applications can take up to 30 days to process, you must submit them within 60 days of the due date.
Your demographic data is required in the guided form on the Minnesota medical marijuana card application website. A photocopy of your driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, or a passport showing your current Minnesota address must be uploaded.
The registration fee must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or the routing and account numbers from your bank account.
Start Visiting Minnesota Dispensaries
Once you’ve been given the go-ahead to use medical marijuana, you must fill out the online Patient Self-Evaluation and make an appointment with your preferred dispensary before going there.
Bring a list of your current medications so you can discuss it with a staff member at the dispensary. They will rule out drug interactions and assist you in selecting the best cannabis strain and preparation for your condition.
Dried flowers, edibles, topical applications, oils, and tinctures are all legal to buy in Minnesota. When you return to the dispensary, be sure to bring your list of medications and ask the staff for advice on choosing cannabis based on how you’ve responded to treatment in the past.
Contact the Sanctuary for Your Minnesota Cannabis Card Needs
Although it enforces strict laws and runs tightly regulated dispensaries, the state of Minnesota strikes a balance between patient safety and access. Fortunately, the Sanctuary can guide you through the procedures for getting a card and give you information on the specifics of the Minnesota medical marijuana program.
The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend Minnesota residents to medical professionals who can issue medical cannabis cards, and medical healthcare providers are not required to participate in the cannabis program. However, we collaborate with a network of sympathetic medical marijuana practitioners who are aware of the benefits of cannabis and the difficulties faced by patients who use it.
The Sanctuary can help you with your online application and can direct you to a medical cannabis physician for a consultation about medical marijuana. Your application will be quickly approved if it is accurate and complete, allowing you or your designated caregiver (typically your legal guardian) to start buying cannabis products as soon as possible.
To find out more, contact us today.