Does Alzheimer's disease qualify in Minnesota?
Yes. The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program lists Alzheimer's disease as a qualifying condition. A Minnesota-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About Alzheimer's disease
A progressive brain disease that causes memory loss and, often, agitation and sleep problems.
Limited evidence. Small trials have looked at cannabinoids for agitation in dementia with mixed results. There's no evidence cannabis slows the disease.
Symptoms Minnesota patients most often hope to ease:
- Agitation, irritability or aggressive outbursts
- Restlessness and pacing, especially in the late afternoon and evening
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night
- Poor appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Anxiety and distress that are hard to calm
Before you start. THC can cause dizziness, unsteadiness and low blood pressure on standing, which raises the risk of falls and hip fractures in older adults. Cannabis can add to confusion, drowsiness and memory problems, so any worsening of thinking should be reported right away.
Read more: medical marijuana for Alzheimer's disease.
How to get certified in Minnesota
- See a Minnesota-licensed physician, physician assistant or APRN (telehealth is allowed) and give them your email address.
- The practitioner certifies your condition in the Medical Cannabis Registry, and you'll get an email with your personal registration link.
- Using that link, enroll online within 90 days of the certification, uploading a photo of an accepted ID and adding a caregiver if needed.
- Wait for approval by email, which can take up to 30 days.
- Schedule a dispensary visit, complete the patient self-evaluation in your registry account, and bring your photo ID, medication list and visit summary.
- A pharmacist at the dispensary reviews your account and recommends products.
Minnesota allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Minnesota-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: No enrollment fee (eliminated July 1, 2023)
- Card lasts: 3 years
- Processing: Up to 30 days after a complete application is received
- Patient limit: Patients and caregivers are exempt from the adult-use possession limits for patient-specific, labeled medical cannabis flower and products
- Home grow: A registered caregiver may grow up to 8 plants for the patient household; adults 21+ may also grow under the adult-use law
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Minnesota cost breakdown and Minnesota program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Minnesota
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
See every qualifying condition in Minnesota
Alzheimer's disease in nearby states
- Alzheimer's disease in North Dakota
- Alzheimer's disease in South Dakota
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for Alzheimer's disease?
Helpful records include: a diagnosis letter or recent notes from a neurologist, geriatrician or primary care doctor confirming Alzheimer's disease or dementia; results of memory or cognitive testing and any brain imaging, if you have them; a complete list of current medicines, including memory drugs, sleep aids, antipsychotics and blood thinners. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Minnesota provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in Minnesota?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Up to 30 days after a complete application is received.
Can I renew online in Minnesota?
In most cases, yes. Enrollment lasts three years, and you then reenroll with a new practitioner certification. You must also complete a new self-evaluation before every purchase.
Sources
- OCM - Qualifying Medical Conditions
- OCM - Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Program Patient Guide (Jan 2025)
- Minn. Stat. 342.52 - Patient registry program
- Minn. Stat. 342.51 - Medical cannabis endorsements and distribution
- OCM - Frequently Asked Questions (Division of Medical Cannabis)
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.