Renewing Your Medical Marijuana Card in Minnesota

Minnesota patients who rely on cannabis for relief need to renew their medical marijuana certification every year. Unlike many states, Minnesota doesn’t issue a physical medical marijuana card — instead, your name stays active in the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.

Renewing with a licensed provider ensures you don’t lose access to medical cannabis, and it keeps you eligible for the tax savings, higher purchase limits, and product access that only medical patients receive.

Why renewal still matters, even with recreational legalization

Dr. Thomas Gerhart, MD, one of our cannabis doctors at CMed, shares: “From renewing patients, the most common question is asking what is the point of getting their med card renewed.”

In September 2025, Minnesota’s cannabis market expanded. Medical providers like RISE and Green Goods began selling cannabis to recreational consumers in addition to medical patients.

That change makes cannabis more widely available statewide, but it doesn’t replace the advantages of being a medical cardholder.

Benefits of keeping your medical card

• Lower taxes: Recreational cannabis comes with higher sales and excise taxes. Medical patients avoid most of those costs, saving significantly over time.
• Higher purchase limits: Recreational buyers face stricter quantity caps. Medical patients can access larger amounts, ensuring consistent treatment.
• Medical-only products: Certain higher-potency or specialty products remain exclusive to medical patients.
• Caregiver access: Caregivers can legally assist registered medical patients — something not available for recreational consumers.
• Priority access: Medical patients get dedicated service in dispensaries, often with shorter wait times and staff trained to focus on patient care.

Minnesota’s recreational program expands access, but renewing your medical certification keeps your care affordable, consistent, and personalized.

Step 1: Schedule a telemedicine renewal appointment

Your first step is to connect with a licensed Minnesota medical marijuana doctor.

At CMed, renewals are fast and simple:

• Telemedicine appointment (phone-based, no office visit)
• $139 fee for the evaluation
• Confirmation of qualifying condition from one of our experienced cannabis doctors

“Patients love the telehealth option for their medical card renewal,” says Jocelyn Cabral, NP, ANCC, one of CMed’s clinicians. “It allows them to stay on top of the annual renewal without a lapse due to scheduling conflicts.”

Step 2: Update your certification in the registry

Once your provider submits your updated certification, you’ll need to log in to the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.

Here you’ll confirm or update your personal information (address, phone number, caregiver details, etc.).

Need help? CMed can walk you through the registry update step by step.

Step 3: Pay the state renewal fee

The final requirement is Minnesota’s annual renewal fee:

• $80 for most patients

• $50 reduced fee if you qualify through programs like Medicaid, SSDI, or SSI

This fee is paid directly to the Minnesota Department of Health and is separate from your evaluation appointment.

Step 4: Receive confirmation

Once your evaluation and state renewal fee are complete, you’ll receive confirmation that your registry status is active again. From there, you can continue shopping at medical dispensaries — with all the patient benefits intact.

Tips for a smooth renewal

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last week. Even a short lapse could leave you without access.
• Prepare documents: Have your ID and health information ready.
• Bring caregiver info: If applicable, ensure their details are current.
• Ask questions: Your renewal appointment is a great time to discuss dosing or product recommendations.
• Plan ahead for fees: Remember, both the provider and state charge separate costs.

Renew your medical card today

Minnesota’s recreational program may be here, but your medical certification still offers the best value and most reliable access. Renewing your Minnesota certification with CMed takes just a quick phone call — no driving, no waiting rooms. We make the process smooth, affordable, and patient-centered.

📞 Call 866-846-2420 to schedule your renewal and keep your benefits for another year.