The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has announced that it will not expand the medical cannabis program's approved delivery methods for 2025.
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After evaluating petitions for adding dry powder inhalation, infused flower, and cannabis concentrates, the office decided against their inclusion, citing safety and health concerns.
Current Program and Proposed Additions
Minnesota's medical cannabis program, established a decade ago, currently allows a limited range of delivery methods for cannabis. The rejected petitions aimed to introduce:
Dry Powder Inhalers: Devices that allow patients to inhale dry powder containing THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids, similar to asthma inhalers.
Infused Flower: Cannabis flower products enhanced with THC or other cannabinoids.
Cannabis Concentrates: High-potency cannabis products.
Reasons for Denial
The OCM explained its decision as follows:
Dry Powder Inhalers: Limited peer-reviewed studies due to federal restrictions on cannabis research. Without robust evidence of safety and efficacy, the office could not approve this method.
Infused Flower and Concentrates: While these products may offer therapeutic benefits for some patients, the office expressed concerns about their association with higher risks of adverse health effects, including cannabis use disorder and other safety issues.
Future Considerations
Charlene Briner, interim director of the OCM, emphasized the program's commitment to balancing patient relief with safety. The office remains open to revisiting these delivery methods as more scientific research becomes available. “That balance is the lens we used to make determinations on the three petitions that were considered this year,” Briner stated.
Implications
This decision highlights the cautious approach Minnesota is taking with its medical cannabis program. While the state acknowledges the potential benefits of expanded delivery methods, patient safety and the lack of comprehensive research remain key barriers.
As cannabis legalization progresses, ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny will likely influence future decisions on expanding delivery methods within medical cannabis programs
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