7 things to know about Minnesota's medical marijuana program

Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Program, running since 2015, is now managed by the Division of Medical Cannabis within the Office of Cannabis Management. A Minnesota-licensed physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse certifies the patient's condition in the state registry. The patient then gets an email with a link to finish enrolling online. There is no enrollment fee, and enrollment lasts three years. Besides a list of named conditions, practitioners may now authorize cannabis for any condition they believe it would help. A pharmacist at a medical dispensary reviews each patient and recommends products. Adult-use cannabis is also legal in Minnesota.

7 things to know

1. The annual enrollment fee was eliminated on July 1, 2023, so enrolling is free.
2. Enrollment is valid for three years.
3. Practitioners may authorize cannabis for any condition they believe it would help.
4. A pharmacist at the dispensary recommends the product and dose for each patient.
5. Patients must complete a self-evaluation in their registry account before every purchase.
6. Up to a 90-day supply can be dispensed at one time.
7. The program moved from the Department of Health to the Office of Cannabis Management.

At a glance

• 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

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)

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.