Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Industry Experiences Success, Challenges

Minnesota Medical Solutions opened its door to state legislators this fall, presenting policymakers and other key officials a glimpse into the start and progress of the state's medical cannabis industry, which was authorized by the legislature in 2014.

"We've been blown away by the results we've seen in patients, particularly patients with seizure disorders," said Dr. Kyle Kingsley, CEO of the company. According to Kingsley, the company offers over twenty different medical cannabis medications, and they are working to customize the medications according to the patient's needs. "Every patient has different needs," said Kingsley. "We've developed some treatment algorithms to help people work their way through with what works for them."

The early results impressed legislators who toured the facility. "I'm just really impressed with the science that's going on here," said Senator Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake. "Eleven months up and running, that makes it exceptional. Minnesota good!" Kiffmeyer exclaimed.

Despite some early success, the industry faces challenges. According to Kingsley, "The biggest challenge right now is price control, and it is important to me as a physician that this is accessible to all patients." Senator Scott Dibble, DFL-Mpls., echoed his concern. "The costs aren't distributed across a large enough customer base," Dibble emphasized. "We don't have really vigorous marketplace competition that these costs are becoming a real barrier. That people have to drive so far to get what they need, and that people who are suffering certain conditions just aren't able to get some access to relief through cannabis," Dibble underscored in citing industry problems.

Ensuring competition in production, pricing and distribution will likely keep the issue of medical cannabis on the legislative agenda in coming sessions.