December 5, 2024
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will not add any new medical delivery methods to the medical cannabis program in 2025.
OCM is required by law to conduct an annual petition process on delivery methods for Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. Under state law, decisions on petitions are due by December 1. Any new delivery methods become available in August the year following approval.
Three petitions considered for the program this year were to allow for dry powder inhalation, infused flower, and concentrates. OCM evaluated the petitions based on a review of scientific evidence, and potential health and safety impacts for patients.
Dry powder inhalers are a method of consuming dry powder containing THC, CBD, and/or additional cannabinoids. These inhalers are similar to those used for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medication.
While dry powder inhalers are being used to treat some chronic diseases, federal limitations on cannabis research means there are limited peer-reviewed studies to show this method would benefit or be safe for medical cannabis patients. As future research becomes available, this delivery method could be reconsidered.
Infused flower products and cannabis concentrates are products that have high levels of THC. Higher levels of THC, while beneficial to some patients, have also been shown to increase the risk of adverse health events and cannabis use disorder.
OCM is in the process of enacting new rules that will guide the medical cannabis program into the future. Approving new delivery methods that are impacted by rulemaking now would be premature while that process is underway.
For a list of approved medical cannabis delivery methods, visit the OCM website.
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