(Minnesota Department of Health)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Department of Health will add irritable bowel syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder to the list of qualifying medical conditions for Minnesota’s medical cannabis program next year.
“We are adding the new qualifying conditions to allow patients more therapy options for conditions that can be debilitating,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said.
According to the Health Department, people with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from abdominal pain or discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. Obsessive-compulsive disorder causes recurring, intrusive thoughts that causes emotional distress and anxiety. Research shows that people who suffer from these conditions can benefit from medical cannabis.
The Health Department conducted a formal petition process to solicit public input on potential qualifying medical conditions.
Petitions for gastroparesis and opioid use disorder were submitted, but not approved. The department said gastroparesis was not approved because cannabis can make the condition worse. As for opioid use disorder, medical and mental health providers recommended against approval due to lack of evidence for its effectiveness, and availability of FDA-approved medications for treatment.
Under state law, the new qualifying conditions will take effect Aug. 1, 2023.
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