Medical Cannabis Laws and Rulemaking
The Minnesota Legislature enacted the law that created the Medical Cannabis Program. To fully develop the details for this program, the Legislature authorized the Department of Health (MDH) to adopt rules. So that MDH can implement this law quickly but also do so comprehensively, MDH has authority to use two types of rulemaking procedures. For the initial implementation the Department can do expedited rulemaking. For the longer range administration the Department will use regular formal rulemaking procedures.
- Minnesota Session Laws 2014, CHAPTER 311--S.F.No. 2470
Law that established the state's broad medical cannabis policy. - Minnesota Session Laws 2015, CHAPTER 74-H.F.No. 1792 (PDF)
Changes to provisions governing receivership of nursing homes or certified boarding care homes; changing medical cannabis provisions. - Office of Medical Cannabis Legislative Changes 2019 (PDF)
Policy Interpretations
- Information Bulletin #1 - Certification of qualifying medical conditions within group medical practices (PDF)
- The Issue Brief: Medical Cannabis in Health Care Facilities (PDF)
Is intended for providers who are both state licensed and federally certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
- The Issue Brief: Medical Cannabis and Non-Certified Health Care Providers (PDF)
Is intended for providers who are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health, but are not federally certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Program Rules
Administrative rules for the program can be viewed here: Administrative rules relating to the medical cannabis program (PDF)
Variance request and approval 2017: Variance (PDF)
The department encourages public input and welcomes comment whenever it is making rules. In order to share your thoughts, please send us an email at health.cannabis.Regs@state.mn.us.
Laboratory Testing Rulemaking
MDH is developing rules relating to laboratory testing requirements for medical cannabis. A notice was published in the State Register on September 7, 2016 requesting public comment for this rulemaking process. The Department encourages public input.
Petitions for Adding New Conditions and Delivery Methods
You may petition the Department of Health to add a qualifying medical condition or an approved medical cannabis delivery method/approved form of medical cannabis. The department accepts petitions from June 1 to July 31 each year. Petitions received outside this window will not be considered.