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
What are the benefits of medical marijuana for each condition?
Chronic and Intractable Pain
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces chronic pain intensity, offering a safer alternative to opioids.
Research Evidence: Multiple studies confirm cannabis effectively manages chronic pain with fewer side effects than traditional pain medications.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces seizure frequency and severity.
Research Evidence: FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex) has demonstrated significant effectiveness in controlling severe seizure disorders.
PTSD
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, and other trauma-related symptoms.
Research Evidence: Studies show marked improvement in anxiety reduction, sleep quality, and emotional stability for PTSD patients.
Cancer and Cachexia
Therapeutic Benefits: Alleviates chemotherapy-induced nausea, chronic pain, appetite loss, and provides comfort during treatment.
Research Evidence: Clinical trials confirm cannabinoids effectively reduce nausea and stimulate appetite.
Multiple Sclerosis and ALS
Therapeutic Benefits: Manages muscle spasticity, pain, and improves quality of life.
Research Evidence: Clinical trials confirm significant reduction in muscle spasticity and improved motor function.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Therapeutic Benefits: May reduce behavioral issues, anxiety, and aggression; may improve communication.
Research Evidence: Emerging research shows promising results for symptom management.
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
Medical cannabis effects and effectiveness vary among individuals. Potential side effects include dizziness, sedation, cognitive impairment, and risk of dependency. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team Last Updated: December 17, 2025