Marijuana is legal in a few of the states in America, but it has not yet been legalized throughout to the dismay of many. What that means is that some people may have recreational marijuana in their homes in Oregon or Colorado, but if they have it in their possession in Minnesota, they could face a drug crime.
Is it fair? Many would say it is not, but that’s the current state of marijuana-related laws in America.
Although marijuana is not available recreationally in Minnesota, it is legal for people with certain medical conditions to obtain it for their own health-related needs. Only patients who are legal residents of Minnesota and who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions is able to receive medical cannabis.
Which conditions allow for the prescription of marijuana?
Medical cannabis may be used for HIV/AIDS, Tourette Syndrome, glaucoma, cancer associated with severe vomiting, pain, wasting, nausea or cachexia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, severe or persistent muscle spasms, seizures (including epilepsy), inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, intractable pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than a single year.
Patients with these conditions should have access to medical marijuana through their medical provider and recommended services.
What should you do if you have medical marijuana and are arrested for possession?
It’s possible that you could be arrested for possessing marijuana or even stopped for driving under the influence despite having a medical card and prescription allowing you to possess the drug. If this happens, it’s important to speak to your attorney and to begin building a defense, so you can have the case dismissed.
Source: Minnesota Department of Health, “Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions,” accessed Sep. 01, 2017