New Cannabis Products Now Available to Patients in Minnesota

Minnesotans enrolled in the state's medical marijuana program can now buy and consume smokeable cannabis starting this week.

The change, approved by lawmakers last year, marks a significant expansion of Minnesota's medicinal marijuana law, which is relatively restrictive compared to other states.

• Supporters have said the change would provide less expensive options for patients.

Dispensaries can now sell dried flowers (buds) and pre-rolls to patients ages 21 and older.

• Patients can buy a 90-day supply after a consultation with a dispensary pharmacist.

Before this month, the only options for medical cannabis consisted in pill, liquid, and oil forms, as well as tinctures, topicals, powders, and lozenges.

• Marijuana remains illegal for recreational adult use. That's unlikely to change during the current legislative session.

Minnesota Department of Health has said it anticipates a surge in applications to the program, which is only open to people with a qualified medical condition, such as certain cancers, Crohn's disease or an end-stage terminal illness.

Some edibles, such as gummies, are slated to be added to the program in August.