Minnesota Medical CannabisEvaluations

Yes. You can have your evaluation by telehealth from anywhere in Minnesota, then enroll with the state online from the link it emails you. Dr. Ewals may ask for more records if needed.

Alternative Health may offer same-day medical evaluations, completely online by telehealth, when appointments are available. The state controls enrollment approval, and that process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Call Will at (218) 274-4500 to check today's openings.

A new-patient evaluation at Alternative Health is $250. Minnesota charges patients no fee to enroll or re-enroll, so $250 is the total (checked October 2026). Returning patients Dr. Ewals certified before pay $230.

Minnesota law lists 19 conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, autism, irritable bowel syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. Your practitioner can also certify another condition when cannabis is recommended (checked October 2026). See the full list.

In three steps, all online after your visit. Dr. Ewals enters your certification in the state registry. The Office of Cannabis Management emails you a personal link, and you finish enrolling. Once the state approves you, you can buy from a Minnesota medical cannabis dispensary.

Aim for 60 days. The state says your certification expires if you aren't enrolled and approved within 90 days, and approval usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. If it expires, you'd need a new certification visit.

Three years from the day you're enrolled (checked October 2026). To keep going, Dr. Ewals reassesses you and enters a new certification, then you re-enroll with the state.

Minnesota medical cannabis enrollment must be renewed every 3 years. To avoid a lapse in coverage:

1. 90 days before expiration: Schedule your medical recertification appointment.
2. Within 60 days after recertification: Submit your online renewal application to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.
3. Allow up to 30 days: The state reviews your application and notifies you when approved.

Important: Your renewal must be approved within 90 days of your provider recertification, or you'll need another certification. Start early to avoid an interruption in your medical cannabis enrollment.

No. Minnesota doesn't mail a card. You get a registry number, and dispensaries look up your enrollment in the state registry. Bring a photo ID when you shop.

A short online check-in about your symptoms. Minnesota asks you to complete one before your first purchase, then every 3 months during your first year (checked October 2026). It helps the state track how patients are doing.

Yes, if you're 21 or older. Patients under 21 can't smoke or vape medical cannabis, so they use other forms, such as tinctures, capsules and topicals.

Yes, to enroll. Bring a Minnesota ID or other proof that you live there. Visitors with another state's medical card can buy at Minnesota medical dispensaries but can't enroll. North Dakota residents use North Dakota's program, which Dr. Ewals also certifies for.

Yes. As of October 2026, Minnesota allows eligible visitors with a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card to purchase medical cannabis from participating licensed dispensaries. Bring your valid medical marijuana card and government-issued photo ID. Minnesota medical certification is not required for qualifying visiting patients.