Minnesota OKs Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain, Eye Disease

ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota is expanding the state's medical marijuana program to include chronic pain and age-related macular degeneration as conditions that can qualify for treatment.

The state Department of Health also said it would allow more sites where patients can access medical cannabis.

The changes take effect in August.

Minnesota's medical marijuana program began in 2014. Originally, only nine conditions were on the list, but now the list covers such conditions as obstructive sleep apnea, post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer.

Sensible Change Minnesota, a group trying to change marijuana policy in Minnesota, sought the addition of chronic pain.

A doctor's diagnosis of chronic pain will be required. It could be easier to certify than intractable pain, which was added to the program a few years ago.