Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program, overseen by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, allows residents diagnosed with specific debilitating medical conditions to legally access medical marijuana. Patients must obtain certification from a licensed healthcare provider authorized to recommend medical cannabis and enroll in the state’s Medical Cannabis Registry. Unlike many states, Minnesota does not issue a physical or digital medical marijuana card; approval in the registry grants legal access.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Patients may qualify for medical cannabis in Minnesota if diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (must meet DSM-5 criteria)
  • Cancer (if the illness or its treatment causes severe pain, nausea, or wasting)
  • Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
  • Chronic Pain
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s Disease
  • Intractable Pain
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Seizures (including epilepsy)
  • Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (including those typical of Multiple Sclerosis)
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Terminal Illness with a probable life expectancy of fewer than one year (if associated with severe pain, nausea, or wasting)
  • Tourette Syndrome

Physicians may recommend medical cannabis for other conditions they believe would benefit from treatment. Additional conditions may be added through legislative or health commissioner processes.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a resident of Minnesota
  • Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a licensed Minnesota healthcare practitioner (physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse) authorized to recommend medical cannabis

Application Process

  1. Consult a Licensed Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment (in-person or telehealth) with a Minnesota-licensed provider authorized to certify qualifying conditions.
  2. Receive Certification: If eligible, the healthcare provider submits your certification to the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Registry.
  3. Enroll in the Medical Cannabis Registry: You will receive an enrollment email with a unique link to complete your patient registration online by submitting identification and proof of residency documents.
  4. Approval: The registry reviews applications, typically processing within 30 days. Upon approval, you gain legal access to purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

Caregivers and Minors

Registered patients may designate caregivers who are authorized to assist in obtaining and using medical cannabis. Caregivers must be registered and meet state requirements. Minors require additional certifications and caregiver involvement.

Booking an Appointment with Licensed Doctors

For Minnesota residents seeking quick certification, same-day appointments with licensed Minnesota medical marijuana doctors are available at:

This telehealth service provides rapid evaluations with state-licensed medical cannabis doctors to help patients obtain certification efficiently.

Official Resources & Links