How to Become a Medical Cannabis Patient
Step 1
Identify Your Qualifying Condition
Minnesota’s medical cannabis program has expanded to include any condition approved by a healthcare practitioner. Below are some of the most common qualifying conditions:
- Chronic Pain
- Cancer
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures / Epilepsy
- Severe Muscle Spasms / MS
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease / Crohn’s
- Glaucoma
- HIV / AIDS
- Intractable Pain
- Tourette Syndrome
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Autism
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Terminal Illness
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
Step 2
Find a Healthcare Practitioner
You’ll need a Minnesota-licensed physician, physician assistant (PA), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to certify your qualifying condition. Their participation is voluntary, so not every provider will certify patients.
Start by asking your current healthcare provider if they participate in the medical cannabis program. If they’re unable to certify you, you can search for a participating provider in your area.
Attention Veterans*
Veterans can now self-certify using a specialized form — no healthcare practitioner certification required. This makes the process faster and simpler for those who have served.
- Ask your current healthcare team if they participate in the program
- Request a referral to a practitioner who certifies patients
- Search online for clinics currently certifying patients
- Many providers now offer both virtual and in-person options
Register with the Office of Cannabis Management
Once your healthcare practitioner certifies your condition, you’ll receive an email with instructions to apply to the Minnesota medical cannabis program through the Medical Cannabis Registry.
What You’ll Need to Register
- A government-issued photo ID (MN driver’s license or state ID)
- Access to the email address your provider has on file
- Complete the online enrollment within 60 days of certification
Important Details
- No registration fee — state fees were eliminated in July 2023
- Applications are reviewed within 30 days
- If you don’t hear back after 30 days, email the OCM at cannabis.info@state.mn.us
- Caregivers no longer need a background check
Complete Your Patient Self-Evaluation
After your registration is approved, log in to your Medical Cannabis Registry account and submit a Patient Self-Evaluation (PSE) report. This must be completed before your first dispensary visit.
Self-Evaluation Requirements
- Submit a PSE before your first-time patient consultation
- A new PSE is required before each dispensary pickup
- After your first purchase, PSEs are required quarterly during your first year
- A registered caregiver can complete the PSE on your behalf
Book Your First-Time Patient Consultation
You’re almost there! Book a first-time patient consultation at your preferred dispensary location. A pharmacist will review your account, discuss your needs, and recommend the right medical cannabis product for you.