How to Become a Medical Cannabis Caregiver
Caregivers can purchase and transport medical cannabis for patients who cannot visit dispensaries themselves. Here's how to register.
2-7 Days
Background Check
$0
Registration Fee
4 Steps
Simple Process
Free Caregiver Registration
Minnesota eliminated all state registration fees on July 1, 2023 - including for caregivers. There is no cost to register as a caregiver.
Caregiver Requirements
You Must Meet These Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- Minnesota residency
- Valid MN Driver's License or State ID
- No disqualifying criminal convictions
- Linked by an enrolled patient
Disqualifying Offenses
- Felony drug convictions within the past 5 years
- Any violent felony convictions
- Felony convictions involving fraud or theft
- Being a registered sex offender
The 4-Step Registration Process
Becoming a caregiver starts with the patient - they must initiate the process
Patient Links You as a Caregiver
5 minutes (patient's action)
Patient Links You as a Caregiver
5 minutes (patient's action)
The patient you'll be caring for must first initiate the caregiver link through their Medical Cannabis Registry account.
What Happens:
- Patient logs into their Medical Cannabis Registry account
- Patient navigates to "Manage Caregivers" section
- Patient enters your email address to send an invitation
- You receive an email with a registration link
Important: You cannot register as a caregiver on your own - the patient must initiate the process.
Complete Your Caregiver Registration
15-20 minutes
Complete Your Caregiver Registration
15-20 minutes
Use the link from your email to create your caregiver account and complete the registration form.
What Happens:
- Click the unique link in your invitation email
- Create your Medical Cannabis Registry account
- Upload a photo of your Minnesota ID or driver's license
- Complete the caregiver application form
- Consent to background check
What You'll Need:
- Valid Minnesota Driver's License or State ID
- Must be 18 years or older
- Email address
- Mobile device to capture ID photo
Pass Background Check
2-7 days typically
Pass Background Check
2-7 days typically
Minnesota requires caregivers to pass a background check. This is processed automatically after you submit your registration.
What Happens:
- Background check is submitted automatically
- OCM reviews your registration and background check
- You receive email notification when approved
- Your caregiver verification card becomes available
Important: Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from being a caregiver.
Visit Dispensary with Patient
Ongoing
Visit Dispensary with Patient
Ongoing
Once approved, you can purchase medical cannabis on behalf of your patient at any Minnesota dispensary.
What to Bring:
- Your caregiver verification card (printed or on phone)
- Your photo ID
- Patient's name and date of birth
- Knowledge of patient's current medications
Caregiver Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do
- Purchase medical cannabis on behalf of the patient
- Transport medical cannabis to the patient
- Help administer medication to the patient
- Consult with dispensary pharmacists on the patient's behalf
What Caregivers CANNOT Do
- Use the patient's medical cannabis themselves
- Share, sell, or give away the patient's cannabis
- Purchase cannabis without their caregiver card
- Act as caregiver for patients they're not registered with
Frequently Asked Questions
Downloadable Resources
Official PDF guides from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.
Helping Someone Access Medical Cannabis?
If the patient you're caring for isn't enrolled yet, they'll need to complete patient registration first. Then they can add you as their caregiver.