Minnesota's Medical Marijuana Program Faces Changes as Recreational Sales Approach
10/11/2024
Minnesota is approaching a major milestone as recreational marijuana sales become legal in just three months, but the ripple effects of this change will also impact the state’s medical marijuana program, which has been in place since 2015. With over 48,000 registered patients, Minnesota’s medical cannabis industry, led by two licensed retailers—RISE and Green Goods—could experience significant shifts.
One of those patients, Chelsea Swanson from St. Francis, praises the impact medical marijuana has had on her health. "I had such a stigma on it, and when I gave it a try, I will never go back. I will always be on medical marijuana," Swanson said. For her, it has replaced prescription drugs and effectively managed her nausea and pain. Despite driving nearly 30 miles to New Hope for her medication, Swanson believes the high-quality, Minnesota-grown product is worth the trip.
"What you are getting here is top quality. It’s grown and made in Minnesota, free from harmful chemicals or fertilizers," she explained.
However, the state's medical cannabis market may face challenges once recreational dispensaries open, possibly as soon as next year. In Michigan, for example, the medical cannabis market saw a steep decline, grossing just $1.2 million in August 2024 compared to $294 million in recreational sales. Still, Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management insists that medical marijuana will remain tax-free, giving it a key advantage over the taxed recreational market.
"Every dollar counts, especially with this economy," Swanson noted, explaining how the tax-free status helps her save hundreds annually.
Medical marijuana also differs from recreational in terms of potency and possession limits, which will remain unrestricted for medical patients.
Changes to the medical program itself are also on the horizon. Starting in 2025, the $200 annual enrollment fee will be eliminated, and patients will only need recertification by a physician every three years instead of annually. Additionally, Minnesota will introduce a "visiting patient option" in two years, allowing patients from other states to purchase products. The age requirement for caregivers to buy cannabis flower will also be lowered from 21 to 18.
As Minnesota’s cannabis landscape evolves, both the medical and recreational markets will face new opportunities and challenges.
Reference
One of those patients, Chelsea Swanson from St. Francis, praises the impact medical marijuana has had on her health. "I had such a stigma on it, and when I gave it a try, I will never go back. I will always be on medical marijuana," Swanson said. For her, it has replaced prescription drugs and effectively managed her nausea and pain. Despite driving nearly 30 miles to New Hope for her medication, Swanson believes the high-quality, Minnesota-grown product is worth the trip.
"What you are getting here is top quality. It’s grown and made in Minnesota, free from harmful chemicals or fertilizers," she explained.
However, the state's medical cannabis market may face challenges once recreational dispensaries open, possibly as soon as next year. In Michigan, for example, the medical cannabis market saw a steep decline, grossing just $1.2 million in August 2024 compared to $294 million in recreational sales. Still, Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management insists that medical marijuana will remain tax-free, giving it a key advantage over the taxed recreational market.
"Every dollar counts, especially with this economy," Swanson noted, explaining how the tax-free status helps her save hundreds annually.
Medical marijuana also differs from recreational in terms of potency and possession limits, which will remain unrestricted for medical patients.
Changes to the medical program itself are also on the horizon. Starting in 2025, the $200 annual enrollment fee will be eliminated, and patients will only need recertification by a physician every three years instead of annually. Additionally, Minnesota will introduce a "visiting patient option" in two years, allowing patients from other states to purchase products. The age requirement for caregivers to buy cannabis flower will also be lowered from 21 to 18.
As Minnesota’s cannabis landscape evolves, both the medical and recreational markets will face new opportunities and challenges.
Reference
