Minnesota’s governor signed a large-scale bill on Tuesday. It includes provisions to expand the medical marijuana program. The most notable provision will allow patients access to smokable medical cannabis products.

A bicameral conference committee sent their approval for the reform earlier this month. They also approved the omnibus health bill that includes multiple other marijuana-related changes.

Following this approval, the House and Senate passed the bill last week. Finally, the governor, Tim Walz (D), signed the measure this week.

Expansion to the medical marijuana program comes after the House approved a bill to legalize marijuana for adult use. Before the House voted on the proposal, 12 committees heard, amended, and approved it individually. However, the legislation stalled in the Senate.  

House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (D), the sponsor of the legalization proposal, predicted that the push for reform would lead to policies that aim for compromise, like medical cannabis expansion.

Advocates are most excited about a change with the medical cannabis program. Now adults 21 and older will have access to smokable medical cannabis. This policy will take effect by March 1, 2022, or sooner if the rules are developed and the state’s cannabis commissioner authorizes it.

Other Changes to the Medical Marijuana Program

Under the new law, dispensaries will be able to provide a curbside pickup option for patients. It will also remove restrictions for designated caregivers. They will be able to care for six registered patients at one time rather than previously when they could only care for one person at a time.

One change to the health bill has advocates concerned. It will allow regulators to remove any health condition that qualifies patients for the medical marijuana program. All the regulators will need is a petition from a member of the public or a task force.

Governor Walz weighed in on the House passing the legislation last week.

“I’ve thought for a long time about that,” he said, adding that “we know that adults can make their own decisions on things, we know that criminalization and prohibition has not worked.”

“I’ve always thought that it makes sense to control how you’re doing this and to make sure that adults know what they’re getting into, and use it wisely,” he said. “I also think there’s a lot of inequity about how folks have spent time in jail or been arrested around this, especially in communities of color.”

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