How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Minnesota
Caregivers in Minnesota are indispensable in the medical cannabis community, offering a helping hand to those who can't manage their cannabis needs alone. They support patients, from minors battling severe conditions to adults facing mobility or health challenges, ensuring safe access to cannabis. While caregivers enjoy certain privileges, their rights are distinct from those of the patients they aid.
Keep reading to discover how you can become a medical cannabis caregiver in Minnesota and learn more about the rights and responsibilities that come with this vital role.
How to Get Your Caregiver Certification in Minnesota
Becoming a certified medical cannabis caregiver in Minnesota is a straightforward process designed to ensure patients have access to the support they need. Here's how you can get started:
- Initial Notification: Once designated by a patient, expect an enrollment email from the Minnesota Department of Health. Use a computer to complete your registration due to potential compatibility issues with mobile devices.
- Document Preparation: Have a digital photo of your government-issued ID ready. If you're assisting a minor, also prepare a digital copy of the minor's birth certificate or legal guardianship documents. Ensure these are in JPG, GIF, TIF, or PNG format and under 4 MB.
- Background Check (with Exceptions): The email will guide you to a form for a background check, which is a standard requirement, accompanied by a $15 check to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. However, you are exempt from this step if you are the patient's spouse, parent, or legal guardian. Remember, processing can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
- Complete the Application: Use the link in your email to access the Medical Cannabis Registry. Here, you'll set up your password, fill out your details, and upload your ID photo. For caregivers of minors, include the additional required documents for the minor.
- Final Submission and Approval: Once you submit your application and the necessary background check (if required) is underway, the Office of Medical Cannabis will review your submission. Approval will be communicated via email.
Parents or legal guardians listed in the registry do not need a separate caregiver registration. If an additional caregiver is being added, ensure that the standard procedure is followed and the minor's documents are included as needed.
As a caregiver, you must promptly report any changes in the patient's information to the Office of Medical Cannabis. This includes updates to the patient's address, name, or status, such as becoming an inmate. Ensure all changes are reported within 30 business days to maintain compliance and the integrity of the patient's care.
What is a Medicinal Marijuana Caregiver (and Who Qualifies in Minnesota)?
Registered designated caregivers in Minnesota are entrusted with assisting patients in administering and acquiring medical cannabis. While they can support multiple patients, the program stipulates specific guidelines to ensure focused and responsible caregiving.
To become a caregiver in Minnesota, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Caregivers must be at least 18 years old.
- Patient Limit: Caregivers can assist up to six patients at once. Patients living in the same household are considered a single patient for this limit.
- Background Check: While most caregivers undergo a background check to ensure program integrity, parents, legal guardians, and spouses are exempt. A disqualifying felony offense prohibits caregiver eligibility.
- Cannabis Distribution: When distributing dried raw cannabis, caregivers must ensure it is only provided to patients who are 21 years of age or older.
Additional Considerations:
- Registry Exemption: Parents, legal guardians, and spouses who are already designated as such in the patient's registry do not need to register separately as caregivers.
- Prohibitions: Caregivers may not consume the patient's medical cannabis or divert it in any way.
- Patient Eligibility: A caregiver can be enrolled as a patient and possess medical cannabis for personal use.
Minnesota Laws for MMJ Caregivers and Their Patients
Designating a Caregiver in Minnesota
In Minnesota, patients qualified for medical cannabis have the option to appoint a registered designated caregiver to aid in managing and obtaining their medical cannabis from authorized dispensaries.
To designate a caregiver, a patient (or, in the case of a minor, the patient's parent or legal guardian) is required to fill out the relevant section in their application through the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.
The designated caregiver must then accept the role, meet the state's qualifications—including age and background check requirements—and complete their registration process.
Once approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, the caregiver is authorized to begin their supportive duties.
Cultivating Cannabis as a Caregiver in Minnesota
Home cultivation by caregivers or patients is not allowed under current Minnesota regulations. All medical cannabis must be obtained from licensed medical cannabis dispensaries, ensuring that patients receive products that are safe, consistent, and regulated.
Learn more about Minnesota’s cannabis laws and regulations, visit our Minnesota patient FAQs, or speak with a highly-rated customer service team member for transparent guidance on how to get and use your MN medical card. We can help you designate a caregiver and learn how to get a medical cannabis card in Minnesota quickly and seamlessly.
