The minimum age to get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota is 18. Adults who are 18 or older can enroll in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program with a certification from a registered healthcare practitioner.
Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis in 2023 for adults 21 and older. Still, the medical program is worth keeping. It offers benefits that recreational access simply does not provide — and it is the only legal route for patients aged 18 to 20.
Who Can Apply Based on Age?
Adults 18 and Older
Adults 18 and older can self-enroll in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program. They need a certification from a licensed provider registered with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Minors Under 18
Patients under 18 are eligible for the program. A parent or legal guardian must enroll as their caregiver. This caregiver is responsible for obtaining and administering the cannabis product. The certifying practitioner must confirm the medical necessity.
Qualifying Conditions in Minnesota
Minnesota has an official list of qualifying medical conditions. These include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Tourette’s syndrome
- ALS
- Seizures (including those related to epilepsy)
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms
- Crohn’s disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- PTSD
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Terminal illness with life expectancy under one year
- Chronic pain
- Intractable pain
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Minnesota regularly reviews and updates this list. If your condition is not on it, you can petition for it to be added.
How to Apply for the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program
Step 1: Get Certified by a Registered Practitioner
Your healthcare provider must be registered with the MDH. You can use a telehealth platform like KIF Doctors to complete this step from home.
Step 2: Receive Your Certification
The practitioner will submit your certification directly to the state’s online system if you qualify.
Step 3: Enroll in the Patient Registry
After certification is submitted, you will receive an email from the Minnesota Department of Health with enrollment instructions. Complete the enrollment and pay the registration fee.
Step 4: Visit an Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC)
Once enrolled, you can visit an authorized cannabis distribution site to pick up your medication.
How Much Does It Cost in Minnesota?
Minnesota charges patients an annual registration fee of $200. However, this fee is reduced or waived for patients who qualify for certain assistance programs.
Provider evaluation fees are separate. To see what your evaluation might cost, visit the KIF Doctors pricing page. Telehealth evaluations are often more affordable than traditional in-person visits.
Why Keep Your Medical Card in Minnesota?
Even with recreational cannabis now legal in Minnesota, medical cardholders get specific advantages:
- Tax savings: Medical cannabis is exempt from recreational taxes
- Higher purchase limits: Medical patients can access higher amounts
- Exclusive products: Some cannabis products are only available to medical patients
- Access at 18–20: Only medical program participants in this age group can legally access cannabis
Telehealth Is Fully Accepted in Minnesota
You do not need to visit a clinic in person to get certified. Minnesota accepts telehealth evaluations for medical cannabis certification. This is great news for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
With KIF Doctors you can schedule your evaluation online, speak with a certified provider, and get your certification submitted to the state — without ever leaving your home. Book your appointment here.
Does Minnesota Accept Out-of-State Medical Cards?
No. Minnesota does not have a reciprocity agreement with other states. If you are visiting from another state, your out-of-state medical marijuana card will not be valid in Minnesota.
Start Your Minnesota Certification Today
If you have a qualifying condition and are 18 or older, there is no reason to wait. The KIF Doctors team is ready to help you get certified fast and efficiently. Schedule your telehealth appointment and take the first step today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota?
The minimum age is 18 to apply independently.
Can a minor access medical cannabis in Minnesota?
Yes, with a parent or guardian registered as their caregiver.
How much does Minnesota’s medical cannabis registration cost?
The annual fee is $200, with reductions available for assistance program participants.
Does Minnesota accept telehealth for medical cannabis certification?
Yes. Telehealth evaluations are accepted by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Is a medical card still useful if recreational cannabis is legal in Minnesota?
Yes. Medical patients save on taxes, access higher limits, and 18–20 year olds can only participate through the medical program.
How often do I need to renew my Minnesota medical cannabis registration?
Annually. You must renew your practitioner certification and state registration each year.
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