As the CBD industry keeps growing rapidly, we’re seeing lawmakers all over the state trying to regulate it, and Minnesota is no exception. But even though they’ve made some serious progress in the past few years, the laws still seem to be all over the place.
If you can’t seem to make any sense of them, you are not alone. However, if you want to know if and where you can buy the best CBD oil MN has to offer but don’t want to be on the wrong side of the law, this guide is just right for you.
CBD Oil In MN
Back in 2014, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill legalizing the use of medical marijuana. At first, it could only be used to treat nine conditions, but the list has expanded since. It now includes:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- ALS
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s Disease and IBS
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Intractable pain
- PTSD
- Autism
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Any terminal illness where the life expectancy of the patient is less than one year
Patients who are suffering from any of these conditions can take medical marijuana only if it’s in pill, liquid, or vaporized form or as a topical. Also, only they can legally buy CBD oil that’s derived from cannabis.
Now, since the oil comes from cannabis, registered doctors aren’t allowed to prescribe it under federal law. The only people who can help patients get into the program and recommend the oil are medical marijuana doctors.
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card
Even though the law still might be pretty restrictive, the application process for a medical marijuana card is pretty straightforward. What’s more, patients can even complete part of the process online.
They first need to talk to a registered doctor to see if they qualify for the program. Then, they have to register into Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Patient Registry and find a healthcare provider that’s willing to look over their records.
If they’re eligible, the Office of Medical Cannabis will send them an email, telling them how to proceed with the application. As soon as they get the email, they can fill out a form online to complete the registration.
When and if they get the approval, they, a parent, or a legal guardian can visit the Cannabis Patient Center (CPC) for a cannabis dosage and type recommendation.
Hemp CBD Oil
On the other hand, ever since the Farm Bill came into effect in 2014, anyone in Minnesota that’s over 18 can legally buy, take, and carry hemp oil. Also, the state doesn’t have any restrictions on hemp products that have less than 0.3% THC in it. In fact, there are no legal restrictions on using CBD hemp oil.
Recreational Marijuana Use
Anyone who gets caught with less than 1.5 oz (42.5 g) of marijuana will get a petty misdemeanor charge and a $200 fine. However, carrying more than that is a serious felony, with potential jail time and a $10,000 fine.
CBD Oil MN – Where Can You Shop?
As in most states where recreational marijuana is legal, patients can buy their products either online or in dispensaries.
MN Cities
Currently, dispensaries exist only in a few cities in MN, which include:
- Minneapolis
- St. Paul
- Plymouth
- Rochester
- Woodbury
- Bloomington
- Brooklyn Park
- Duluth
- Eagan
- Hibbing
- St. Cloud
As the two largest cities in MN, both St. Paul and Minneapolis have six stores each, while the other states only have a couple. Keep in mind that, due to the restrictive laws, the selection of products isn’t that big.
Buying CBD Oil Online
Buying the best CBD oil MN has to offer might require you to widen your search and find products online. However, if you have a medical marijuana card, you can only purchase the type and dosage that the CPC has recommended.
With that said, as there are countless CBD retailers online, you could get a better price for your oils. What’s more, these stores often have special discounts and wholesale deals and will deliver the products directly to your doorstep.
However, make sure only to buy from respected and trustworthy brands. When shopping for your CBD oils, always look for companies that do third-party testing. Also, try to find out which extraction methods they use and where their marijuana and hemp crops are coming from.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, finding the best CBD oil MN has to offer is no small feat. Once you have your medical marijuana card, you can buy what you need in a few select dispensaries across the state or online. Just keep in mind to get the exact dosage and type that the CPC recommended.