What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Minnesota?
Minnesota approves medical marijuana for 15+ qualifying conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, autism, and intractable pain. Even with recreational legalization in 2023, medical cards provide benefits like lower age requirements (18+ vs 21+) and tax savings. MMJ.com offers telehealth evaluations for $149.99 with same-day certification.
Get Your Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card
What is the complete list of Minnesota qualifying conditions?
Minnesota's Medical Marijuana Program, overseen by the Minnesota Department of Health, recognizes the following qualifying conditions for 2026:
Chronic Pain Conditions
- Intractable Pain (pain unresponsive to standard treatments)
- Chronic Pain
- Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms
Neurological Conditions
- Seizures (including Epilepsy)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Tourette's Syndrome
- Alzheimer's Disease
Mental Health and Developmental Conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cancer and Terminal Illness
- Cancer (with severe/chronic pain, nausea, or cachexia)
- Terminal Illness (life expectancy under one year)
- Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (including Crohn's Disease)
Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS
Eye Conditions
- Glaucoma
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Sleep Disorders
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Blood Disorders
- Sickle Cell Disease
Why get a medical card when Minnesota has recreational marijuana?
Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana in August 2023, but medical cards still provide significant benefits:
| Benefit | Medical Card | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18+ | 21+ |
| Tax Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Possession Limits | Higher | Standard |
| Product Selection | Medical-specific | Limited |
| Home Cultivation | 8 plants | 8 plants |
Bottom Line: If you qualify for a medical card, you'll save money and have access to products tailored for your condition.
How do I qualify for a Minnesota medical marijuana card?
To qualify for medical marijuana in Minnesota, you must:
- Be a Minnesota resident with valid state ID
- Have a qualifying condition diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider
- Receive certification from a registered healthcare practitioner
- Register with the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Medical Cannabis
MMJ.com connects you with Minnesota-licensed physicians for a 10-15 minute telehealth evaluation. Most patients receive same-day certification.
How much does a Minnesota medical marijuana card cost?
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Physician Evaluation (MMJ.com) | $149.99 |
| State Registration Fee | $50/year |
| Total Cost | $199.99 |
MMJ.com provides a 100% money-back guarantee if you're not approved by our physician.
Can I grow marijuana at home in Minnesota?
Yes! As of 2023, Minnesota allows home cultivation for both medical and recreational users:
- Up to 8 plants per household
- Maximum 4 flowering plants at any time
- Must be grown in a locked, enclosed space
- Not visible from public areas
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Minnesota's decision to include it in the state program.
Chronic and Intractable Pain
Chronic and intractable pain are approved qualifying conditions under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included these conditions based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Cancer and Cachexia
Cancer and cachexia are approved qualifying conditions under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Multiple Sclerosis and ALS
MS and ALS are approved qualifying conditions under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with spasticity and motor symptoms. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012) (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients with autism spectrum disorder. (Aran et al., Sci Rep 2019)
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining THC use in patients with Tourette's. (Muller-Vahl et al., Pharmacopsychiatry 2003)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's Disease, is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in IBD patients. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program as determined by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in sleep-disordered breathing. (Carley et al., Sleep 2018)
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among sickle cell patients. (Abrams et al., Blood Adv 2020)
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Minnesota's medical marijuana program. Minnesota included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in dementia patients. (Woodward et al., J Alzheimers Dis 2014)
How do caregivers and pediatric patients qualify?
Caregiver Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Complete background check
- Register with the Minnesota Department of Health
- Can assist one or more qualified patients
Pediatric Patient Requirements
- Must have a qualifying condition diagnosed by a physician
- Parent or legal guardian must consent and register as caregiver
- MMJ.com provides specialized guidance for families
Can I petition for a new qualifying condition in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota has an annual petition process for adding new qualifying conditions:
- Petition Period: June-July each year
- Review Process: Minnesota Department of Health evaluates based on scientific evidence
- Decision Timeline: Typically by end of calendar year
- Recent Additions: Chronic pain, age-related macular degeneration, sickle cell disease
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota?
The telehealth evaluation takes 10-15 minutes, with same-day certification if approved. State registration processing typically takes 1-2 weeks. You can visit cannabis patient centers once you receive your card.
Can out-of-state patients access Minnesota's medical marijuana program?
No, only Minnesota residents can participate in the state's medical marijuana program. You must have a valid Minnesota state ID or driver's license.
Does anxiety qualify for medical marijuana in Minnesota?
Anxiety is not explicitly listed, but PTSD (which includes anxiety symptoms) is a qualifying condition. Chronic pain conditions that cause anxiety may also qualify. Consult with an MMJ.com physician to discuss your situation.
Can I use telehealth for my Minnesota medical marijuana evaluation?
Yes, Minnesota allows telehealth evaluations for medical marijuana certifications. MMJ.com offers secure, HIPAA-compliant video consultations with Minnesota-licensed physicians.
What documents do I need for my evaluation?
You'll need a valid Minnesota ID and any medical records related to your qualifying condition. Medical records are helpful but not always required—your physician can evaluate your symptoms during the consultation.
How long does a Minnesota medical marijuana card last?
Minnesota medical marijuana cards are valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. Begin the renewal process approximately 30 days before expiration.
Where can I purchase medical marijuana in Minnesota?
Medical cannabis is available at licensed cannabis patient centers throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health maintains a list of approved locations.
What is the approval rate for Minnesota medical marijuana evaluations?
MMJ.com maintains a 98% approval rate for qualified patients. If you're not approved, you receive a full refund under our 100% money-back guarantee.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Minnesota's qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. The inclusion of a condition in Minnesota's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team Last Updated: December 17, 2025