Minnesota Marijuana | MN Marijuana Minnesota Marijuana News and Information
Minnesota approved chronic pain as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana three months ago. Since then, patient enrollment has increased drastically. One industry insider estimates that the addition of chronic pain to the qualifying conditions list has helped the program gain about 1,000 patients.
There are 700 doctors statewide that are authorized to certify patients for medical marijuana, according to WDAY ABC News 6. The most recent patient numbers released show that there are almost 4,000 medical marijuana patients in Minnesota. The program still has imperfections, but experts expect positive changes to come in the near future.
One patient, Jody Taylor-Haye, said, “Going from 18 medications to three medications and my cannabis has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Minnesota Medical Solutions dispensary CEO Dr. Kyle Kingsley said, “We’re competing with Percocet, where you can basically buy a bottle of 60 or 90 Percocet that can kill most people, and you get that for a $6 copay. So, it’s really hard to compete with that.”
Since medical marijuana isn’t covered by insurance, it can cost some patients upwards of $400 to $600 monthly. Dr. Kinglsey wants to be able to lower prices, but is forced to wait until enrollment increases much more and more sales are made. Minnesota Medical Solutions will report a financial loss for the second year in a row due to the high cost of the medication and low patient enrollment.
Even with the prices being so high, some patients would rather pay for medical marijuana than alternatives.
One patient commented that, “What has this done for me? It’s given me my life back.”
Dr. Kingsley is optimistic that PTSD will be added to the qualifying conditions list. If it is approved, it could help increase the patient enrollment numbers significantly. A decision on PTSD is expected by December 1.
