Can a Felon Get a Medical Card in Minnesota?

Introduction

Minnesota is among the latest states to legalize cannabis in the country. The state legalized recreational cannabis use through the passage of HF 100 (Chapter 63), signed by Governor Tim Walz on May 30, 2023, putting the state at number 23 among states that have legalized adult-use recreational cannabis. Personal possession became legal on August 1, 2023, while home cultivation was soon legalized thereafter. Adult-use retail sales started towards the end of 2025 as OCM finalized licensing procedures.

Minnesota has had its medical cannabis program running since 2015 and has made a lot of changes, including adding more qualifying conditions, getting rid of all patient fees, eliminating age restrictions for patients, and shifting management from the Department of Health to the new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) starting March 1, 2025.

In Minnesota, for people with a felony, the question then becomes: Is it possible for a felon to get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota?

In this case, it is simple and optimistic – yes, you can get a marijuana certification even if you have a felony in Minnesota. The disqualification for felony conviction provision, according to Chapter 152 of Minnesota Statutes, applies only to those involved in caregiving and working in a cannabis-related business. It does not apply to people interested in becoming part of the Medical Cannabis Registry Program.

How Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program Works

The medicinal marijuana program in Minnesota is governed by Sections 152.22 to 152.37 of the Minnesota statutes that include the Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research Act. The OCM currently runs the medical program of Minnesota, having taken over the administration of the program from the Department of Health on March 1, 2025.

Key Program Facts for 2025

Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees the program as of March 1, 2025
No state registration fees
No physical medical marijuana card is issued
Enrollment validity can last up to three years
Patients may purchase up to a 30-day supply
Medical patients can enroll at age 18
Minor patients may participate with a caregiver
Out-of-state medical cards are not accepted
Applications are processed within 30 days

Can a Felon Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota does not conduct criminal background checks for medical cannabis patients. Eligibility requirements focus on Minnesota residency and certification by a licensed healthcare provider who determines the patient has a qualifying medical condition.

Felony convictions do not affect eligibility for patients seeking enrollment in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program. The felony-related restrictions only apply to designated caregivers and certain cannabis industry positions.

What Is a Disqualifying Felony Offense in Minnesota?

Minnesota Statutes § 152.22 defines a disqualifying felony offense as a felony violation of state or federal controlled substance laws that would be considered a felony under Minnesota law.

Key Points

Applies only to drug-related felony offenses
Non-drug felonies such as fraud or assault are not included
Applies regardless of the sentence imposed
No lookback period exists for controlled substance felonies
Medical cannabis-related conduct may qualify for an exception

Who the Disqualifying Felony Rule Applies To

Designated Caregivers

Designated caregivers must not have a disqualifying felony offense and must be approved by the OCM.

Must be at least 18 years old
Must be authorized by the OCM Commissioner
Cannot have disqualifying drug felony convictions
Parents or guardians serve as caregivers for minor patients

Cannabis Manufacturer Employees and Owners

Medical cannabis manufacturers and certain cannabis business license applicants must undergo criminal background checks. Felony drug convictions may affect eligibility for employment or ownership positions.

Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Conduct Exception

Minnesota law allows the OCM Commissioner to determine that certain cannabis-related felony convictions connected to medical cannabis use should not be treated as disqualifying offenses.

This exception may help individuals whose prior convictions were tied to conduct that would now be considered lawful medical cannabis activity.

Minnesota Does Not Issue a Physical Medical Card

Unlike many other states, Minnesota does not issue a physical medical marijuana card.

Patients enroll in the Medical Cannabis Registry
Enrollment is verified electronically
Government-issued identification is used at dispensaries
No card renewal or replacement concerns

Qualifying Medical Conditions in Minnesota

Minnesota recognizes multiple qualifying conditions, including:

Cancer
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Tourette syndrome
ALS
Epilepsy and seizure disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn’s disease
Terminal illness
Chronic pain
PTSD
Autism spectrum disorder
Sleep apnea
Alzheimer’s disease
Sickle cell disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Other conditions approved by a healthcare provider

Benefits of Medical Registry Enrollment Over Recreational Use

Complete tax exemption on medical cannabis purchases
Eligibility begins at age 18
Additional legal protections for patients
Access for qualifying minors
Professional guidance from pharmacists
Enrollment valid for up to three years
Clearly defined possession limits

Workplace Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients

Minnesota provides significant protections for registered medical cannabis patients.

Protection against certain employment discrimination
Protection from housing discrimination
Protection in educational settings
Restrictions remain for safety-sensitive positions and federally regulated jobs

How to Apply for Minnesota Medical Cannabis Registry Enrollment

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify Minnesota residency and confirm that you have a qualifying medical condition.

Step 2: Obtain Medical Certification

Schedule an appointment with a Minnesota-licensed healthcare provider registered with OCM.

Step 3: Complete Registry Enrollment

Use the enrollment link provided by OCM and submit required identification and residency documents.

Step 4: Pay No State Fee

Minnesota eliminated patient registration fees in 2023.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Applications are generally processed within 30 days.

Step 6: Purchase Medical Cannabis

Visit a licensed dispensary using your government-issued identification.

Caregiver Enrollment Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old
Must not have a disqualifying felony drug conviction
Must receive authorization from OCM
Must complete caregiver registration
Must provide proof of identity and residency

Minnesota Cannabis Expungement

Minnesota continues expanding cannabis expungement opportunities under HF 100. Individuals with eligible cannabis convictions may qualify to have records expunged, which can improve eligibility for certain caregiver or employment roles.

Federal Law Considerations

Despite state legalization, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.

This can affect:

Federal probation or parole
Federal housing assistance
Federal employment
Military service members
Commercial driver license holders

Key Takeaways

Felons can obtain medical cannabis certification in Minnesota.
Patient applications are not subject to criminal background checks.
Drug-related felony restrictions apply to caregivers and cannabis businesses.
No state registration fee is required.
Minnesota does not issue physical medical marijuana cards.
Enrollment may remain valid for up to three years.
Medical cannabis patients receive significant tax savings and legal protections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a convicted felon get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota?

Yes. Felony convictions do not prevent patients from enrolling in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program.

What is a disqualifying felony offense under Minnesota law?

It is generally a felony violation of state or federal controlled substance laws that would be classified as a felony under Minnesota law.

Does Minnesota have a lookback period for drug felony convictions?

No. Minnesota does not apply a lookback period to disqualifying felony drug offenses.

How much does Minnesota medical cannabis enrollment cost?

Enrollment is free. Patients only pay healthcare provider consultation fees.

What are the benefits of joining the medical cannabis program if recreational cannabis is legal?

Benefits include tax exemptions, stronger legal protections, eligibility starting at age 18, pharmacist guidance, and enrollment periods lasting up to three years.