Advocates in Minnesota recently scored a win for expanding the medical cannabis program with smokable marijuana. But the marijuana legalization bill that recently passed the House is not advancing in the Senate. 

Minnesota lawmakers approved smokable forms of marijuana for registered patients.

A bicameral conference committee approved the reform over the weekend, as well as several other marijuana-related changes. All of the changes were part of an omnibus health bill. 

The House adopted it on Monday and passed it in a 77-57 vote. The Senate followed shortly after the House and also approved it in a 66-1 vote. Now it awaits the governor for a signature.

Changes to Medical Marijuana Program

The most notable change to the medical cannabis program will allow adults 21 and older to access smokable marijuana products. If signed by the governor, the policy will take effect by March 1, 2022.

The legislation will also allow for dispensaries to provide curbside pickup for patients. The legislation further removes restrictions for designated caregivers and will enable them to tend to six registered patients at one time.

Currently, the commissioner is the only person approved to add new conditions or modify existing ones for the medical cannabis program. One change attached to the health bill will allow regulators to remove health conditions from the program if they receive a petition from a task force or a member of the public. Then they can remove conditions that qualify patients for medical marijuana.

Overall, advocates are excited about the expansion of the medical program. But there are still disappointments over the total legalization bill stalling in the Senate.

Rep. Angie Craig took to Twitter to express her feelings. She wrote, “the GOP Senate has failed our state by refusing to pass adult-use cannabis and expungement before leaving for the year. Minnesotans who have been affected by antiquated drug laws — and entrepreneurs who were ready to build new business — have been abandoned.”

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