Minnesota Adds Two Conditions to Medical Marijuana Program

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Health is adding irritable bowel syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder to the list of qualifying medical conditions for its medical cannabis program.

MDH says people who suffer from these conditions can benefit from using marijuana to treat the symptoms. The list of qualifying conditions is now up to 19.

IBS patients suffer from abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. People with OCD have recurring, intrusive thoughts that often cause significant emotional distress and anxiety.

Every year the MDH asks for information on potential qualifying medical conditions and delivery methods for medical cannabis. Minnesotans submit petitions in June and July. After that, the recommendations receive public comment and go before a review panel.

Petitions for gastroparesis and opioid use disorder were not approved. Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, was denied because officials say research shows marijuana can make the condition worse. As for opioid use disorder, MDH heard from medical and mental health providers who recommended leaving it off the list due to a lack of evidence for its effectiveness.

For a list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, click here.

For information on becoming a medical marijuana patient, click here.

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