No. Cannabis is still (unfortunately) a Schedule I substance, so insurance companies will not cover it. However, appointments with your certifying health care practitioner may be covered by insurance.

Patients with the following conditions can qualify for medical cannabis in Minnesota:

• Cancer associated with severe/chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting.
• Glaucoma.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Tourette Syndrome.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• Seizures, including those characteristic of Epilepsy.
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease.
• Terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of less than one year*
• Intractable pain*
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Autism
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

*pain whose cause cannot be removed and, according to generally accepted medical practice, the full range of pain management modalities appropriate for this patient has been used without adequate result or with intolerable side effects.

Medical Cannabis is still illegal on the federal level, so it is illegal to cross state lines with it. However, you may purchase cannabis products in certain states where it is legal recreationally, or in one of the few states that offers reciprocity to out-of-state patients. Finally, you may drive with cannabis in your car within the state of Minnesota.

Most large health care systems, and some smaller clinics, that have participating health care providers accept insurance. Please check out our provider list if you are looking for a clinic that accepts insurance for the certification visit.

Minnesota State Law prohibits landlords from discriminating against a patient solely for the patient’s enrollment in the medical cannabis registry, unless failure to do so would violate federal law or regulations (this typically applies to Section 8 housing). Landlords are not required to permit possession or consumption in rental properties. Please consult an attorney if you need additional information.

No. Minnesota defines medical cannabis as: “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: liquid, including but not limited to, oil; pill; vaporized delivery method with use of liquid oil (but which does not require the use of dried leaves or plant form); or any other method, excluding smoking, approved by the Commissioner of Health.” To date, the Commissioner of Health has approved topical application.

Upon registration, patients in the program agree to only receive medical cannabis from a registered manufacturer.

According to Minnesota Department of Corrections guidelines, those on probation may use medical cannabis, but those on parole after serving a prison sentence may not. Courts have allowed individuals on conditional release (pre-trial) to use medical cannabis.  Patients should always talk to their attorney to see if talking to a probation officer would be beneficial, especially prior to using medical cannabis as it may violate terms of their conditional release or probation; your attorney may need to request an amendment to the terms of your probation or conditional release.

Minnesota State Law provides limited protection for patients based on enrollment in the registry program, or the patient’s positive drug test; this extends to hiring, termination, or any other condition of employment, unless the employer stands to lose a monetary or licensing related benefit or is prohibited from allowing use under federal law. If you are facing an employment-related issue, please contact an attorney for advice.

Minnesota State Law prohibits schools from discriminating against a patient solely for the patient’s enrollment in the medical cannabis registry, unless failure to do so would violate federal law or regulations or cause the school to lose a monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law. Schools are not required to permit possession or consumption on campus. Please consult an attorney if you need additional information.

Both manufacturers offer discounts and reward programs to patients receiving the reduced registration fee from MDH; Minnesota Medical Solutions extends that discount to veterans and their families.

Minnesota state law prohibits denial of child custody, visitation rights, or parenting time with a minor child solely based on the individual’s status as a medical cannabis patient.The law provides that there is no presumption of neglect or child endangerment for using medical cannabis in compliance with Minnesota State Law, unless the patient’s behavior creates an unreasonable danger to the safety of the child.If you are facing a Child Protection or Child Custody case, and are a medical cannabis patient, you should contact an attorney for advice.

There is no explicit prohibition in Minnesota’s law, but you should consult an attorney before possessing firearms.

Minnesota State Law prohibits patients from operating, navigating, or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, train, or motorboat while under the influence of medical cannabis. If you are pulled over and the officer asks, show them your label or packaging for your medical cannabis. If your medical cannabis is seized, you receive a ticket, or you are arrested for a DUI, ask to talk to an attorney right away and don’t say anything.