Medical cannabis flower sales begin in Minnesota

Sales of medical cannabis flower began Monday in Minnesota, giving the state’s medical marijuana patients a new and more affordable way to access the drug of their choice. The Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services announced in February that cannabis flower would be included in the state’s medical marijuana program, which until this week only allowed patients to use processed cannabis products such as extracts, distillates, capsules and topicals.

Chris Tholkes, director of the Minnesota Bureau of Medicinal Cannabis, said the addition of cannabis flower was primarily to make medical marijuana products more affordable for patients. Because manufacturing costs are included in the cost of processed cannabis products, they are generally more expensive than dried and cured cannabis flower. Regulators expect that the addition of cannabis flower to the medical marijuana program will result in an increase in the number of registered patients.

“It gives patients a much more affordable entry point to the medicines that cannabis offers,” said Dr. Kyle Kingsley, the CEO of Minnesota-based Vireo Health. “Many patients who switch from our standard products to Flower can save about 50 percent monthly to treat their various medical conditions.”

Patricia Gates was one of the first patients to purchase cannabis flower Monday at the Green Goods medical dispensary in downtown Minneapolis. She agreed that the new option is much more affordable and said the change will significantly impact her monthly budget.

“So that’s probably going to save me like 400 or more,” Gates told local media. “So I see that as a great blessing… a great blessing!”

Gates had a shingles infection in her ear in 2017 that led to Ramsy Hunt Syndrome, a condition that has left her in constant pain and paralyzed half of her face. Before starting treatment with medicinal cannabis oil and tablets two years ago, she was taking 18 prescriptions a day. Cannabis is far more effective, but a full month’s supply costs $800, an amount Gates can’t afford. As a result, she often had to make do with less.

“This particular chemical has literally saved my life every day since June 2019, when I was registered,” Gates said.

“This is really exciting for cannabis patients,” she added. “I’m not kidding – this is so huge!”

Minnesota patient list is expected to increase

Based on other states’ experiences with legal cannabis, the Department of Health said last month that it expects patient enrollment in its medical marijuana program, which currently stands at about 30,000 patients, to likely double or even triple. The agency cited an October 2021 survey of registered patients in which 71 percent of respondents said they were either very or fairly likely to try smokable cannabis flower if it were available.

“We did a price point study in 2019, and the average cost for a patient in a month is just over $300,” Tholkes said. “I think we’re going to see a very big increase now that we’ve gotten the cost down for people.”

Under the new regulations, medicinal dispensaries will offer pre-packaged dried cannabis flower and pre-rolled joints in a variety of strains and cannabinoid potency levels. Registered patients can purchase cannabis for up to 90 days at a time. However, before purchasing cannabis flower, patients must first have a consultation with a medical pharmacist to change the type of cannabis they are receiving. Patients have the option to consult either in person or virtually to fulfill the requirement.

“In preparation for the change, starting February 1st, registered patients interested in smokable cannabis can schedule an appointment for a consultation with a medical cannabis pharmacist to be pre-approved to purchase pre-packaged dried flower and pre-made rolls,” as soon as they are available,” the Department of Health wrote in its statement announcing the change last month.

Smokable cannabis flower will only be available to patients and caregivers 21 years and older who are registered with the state medicinal cannabis program. Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm urged patients considering switching to cannabis flower to seek a doctor’s advice before making the switch.

“Patients need to weigh the risks of smoking medicinal cannabis, including those associated with secondhand smoke and lung health, against potential benefits,” Malcolm said. “Smokable cannabis may not be for everyone; Patients should speak to their doctor for advice.”

The Minnesota Department of Health also announced last month that medical patients will have another new option later this year, noting that edible cannabis products, including gummies and chews, will be available on August 1st. The rule change was made last year during an annual petition and comment process that the MDH uses to solicit public input on potential additions to qualifying conditions and cannabis administration methods.