An Emergency Executive Order from Governor Tim Walz institutes some immediate changes for patients using medical cannabis

Medical cannabis provides therapeutic and palliative relief to many of Minnesota’s most severely ill residents. Medical cannabis distribution facilities will continue to operate during this peacetime emergency. New measures instituted by Governor Tim Walz will reduce the risks associated with COVID-19 to these people and to the staff who work in medical cannabis distribution facilities.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON MAKING A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT AT LIFE MEDICAL

Here is a synopsis of the changes instituted in the Emergency Executive Order relating to medical cannabis patients/certifications/prescription pickups:

  1. ENROLLMENT EXPIRATION DATES ARE EXTENDED: During the peacetime emergency, patient enrollments that are scheduled to expire from the date of March 21, 2020 through seven days after the end of the peacetime emergency are extended until August 1, 2020 or 60 days after the end of the peacetime emergency; whichever date is later.
  2. INITIAL CERTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS CAN NOW BE DONE WITH A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT: Health practitioners are now allowed to certify a patient’s qualifying medical condition using appointments via the telephone, videoconferencing or other remote means.
  3. EMERGENCY TEMPORARY CAREGIVERS ARE MORE EASILY ABLE TO ASSIST REGISTERED PATIENTS: A patient’s health care practitioner can certify the need for assistance from a caregiver and that caregiver’s participation must be voluntary. Previously the caregiver required a criminal background check but that has been waived. Caregivers can now help more than one patient using Medical Cannabis.
  4. MEDICAL CANNABIS MANUFACTURERS CAN USE CURBSIDE PICKUP: Designated zones to exchange payment will be as close to the facility’s front door as feasible and when the caregiver is in the designated pickup zone. Security/surveillance cameras must be present for all transactions.
  5. THE CONSULT WITH THE DISPENSING PHARMACIST MAY NOW BE DONE VIRTUALLY: The pharmacist may now consult with the patient or caregiver using telephone, video conferencing or other remote means.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON MAKING A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT AT LIFE MEDICAL

 

To read the Governor Walz’s Emergency Executive Order 20-26 PLEASE CLICK HERE