Wary Doctors Could Dampen Minnesota MMJ Market

Minnesota dispensaries preparing to begin operations next month may see smaller-than-expected patient numbers, as many doctors in the state are undecided on whether they’ll recommend cannabis for certain ailments.

Patients who qualify for MMJ in the state must get an endorsement from their doctors, but a survey from the Minnesota Medical Association shows physicians are torn about whether to issue such a recommendation, according to KARE Channel 11. About a fourth are willing to certify, a fourth said they are not and the remaining 50% are undecided, according to the association president.

Many reportedly are afraid of violating drug laws.

Minnesota Medical Solutions and Leafline Labs, the two companies approved to grow and dispense cannabis, are set to open on July 1. The companies have raised almost $30 million in financing, a significant sum in the industry. The number of patients they’ll have when legalization takes effect remains to be seen, as the state officially opened up the registration process today.

Minnesota has had a relatively smooth rollout of its MMJ program compared to other states.