There is a trend in America right now when it comes to medical marijuana states. The newer the state, the stricter the program, which then translates to higher prices for medicine. These same states don’t allow patients to grow their own medicine, so patients either have to put up with being price gouged, or go to the black market. Most patients go the black market route. It’s not by choice, but at the end of the day these patients have to take risks and chances because they simply can’t afford to pay the high prices. Minnesota is one of those states. Per KOLO TV:
Some medical marijuana patients in Minnesota are heading back to the black market due to high costs in the state’s program.
Minnesota started selling medical marijuana pills and oils in July under one of the most restrictive laws in the country. The plant form is banned and people must have one of nine conditions to qualify.
Five patients told The Associated Press that the restrictions have made medical marijuana too expensive, and insurance doesn’t cover any of the costs. They reverted to buying marijuana on the street.
The article I linked to went on to say that a vial of cannabis oil in Minnesota is twice what it costs in Colorado, which from my experience is twice as much as it costs in Oregon. Oregon was the first to legalize medical marijuana out of those states, which further highlights the trend that I’m talking about. I get that it was big when Minnesota legalized medical marijuana, but the battle is far from over. The same is true in other states like Illinois and New Jersey. People need to keep fighting in those states to improve the programs. Patients lives depend on it.
