Get Your MN Medical Card for FREE
Most people don't know this: You can get certified for a Minnesota medical card completely FREE through dispensary partnerships. Here's exactly how.
$0
With RISE
10min
Evaluation
$0
State Fee
No State Fee Since July 2023
Minnesota eliminated the $200 state registration fee. Combined with free dispensary certification programs, you can now get your medical card for $0 total cost.
Cost Comparison: Typical vs. FREE Path
| Cost Item | Typical Cost | With RISE Promo |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Consultation | $100-200 | $0 (RISE) |
| State Registration Fee | $0 (eliminated July 2023) | $0 |
| Total Cost | $100-200 | $0 |
All Your Options
From completely free to standard pricing - here's every path to getting your Minnesota medical card.
RISE Rewards + Leafwell
Anyone who plans to shop at RISE dispensaries
How It Works
RISE dispensaries partner with Leafwell to offer completely FREE medical card certifications to new RISE Rewards members. Leafwell doctors certify you via telehealth, then guide you through state registration.
Pros
- 100% free certification
- Leafwell guides you through state portal
- Established medical cannabis doctors
- RISE has multiple MN locations
Considerations
- Must be willing to shop at RISE
- May have appointment availability limits
- Not always available - check current promotions
Steps to Get Started
- 1Sign up for RISE Rewards at any RISE dispensary or online
- 2Visit leafwell.com/events/rise
- 3Schedule your FREE telehealth appointment
- 4Complete your evaluation (5-10 minutes)
- 5If approved, Leafwell guides you through OCM registration
Dispensary First-Visit Promos
Patients willing to research and combine deals
How It Works
Many Minnesota dispensaries offer medical card certification discounts or reimbursements for first-time patients. Some reimburse the full certification cost if you make a qualifying purchase.
Pros
- Can reduce or eliminate certification cost
- Often combines with first-visit discounts
- Flexibility in provider choice
Considerations
- Promotions change frequently
- May require minimum purchase
- Not all dispensaries participate
Steps to Get Started
- 1Research dispensaries in your area
- 2Check their websites/social media for current promos
- 3Ask specifically about medical card reimbursement programs
- 4Keep your certification receipt for reimbursement
Leafwell Standard
Patients who want professional guidance and may shop at partner dispensaries
How It Works
Leafwell is one of the most popular telemedicine certification services. They have partnerships with multiple MN dispensaries and provide excellent guidance through the state registration process.
Pros
- Highly rated by r/MNtrees
- Guides you through confusing state portal
- Direct partnerships with RISE & Green Goods
- Professional medical staff
Considerations
- $149 if not using RISE promo
- No refund if not approved (but approval rate is high)
Steps to Get Started
- 1Visit leafwell.com
- 2Complete intake questionnaire
- 3Schedule telehealth appointment
- 4Meet with doctor (5-15 minutes)
- 5If approved, follow their OCM portal guide
QuickMedCards
Patients who want a quick, no-frills evaluation
How It Works
QuickMedCards offers 100% video-based evaluations. r/MNtrees users describe it as "very fast and very easy." Good option if Leafwell appointments are fully booked.
Pros
- Fast and straightforward process
- "Very easy" per Reddit feedback
- Good backup option
- Often has appointment availability
Considerations
- No state portal guidance included
- Slightly higher price point
- Less MN dispensary partnerships
Steps to Get Started
- 1Visit quickmedcards.com
- 2Select Minnesota
- 3Complete online questionnaire
- 4Video evaluation with doctor
- 5Complete state registration yourself
Finding Dispensary Promotions
Beyond the RISE/Leafwell partnership, many dispensaries offer medical card promotions. Here's how to find them:
Where to Look
- Dispensary websites (check "Promotions" or "New Patients" pages)
- Dispensary social media (Instagram, Facebook)
- Email newsletters (sign up for dispensary emails)
- Call and ask directly - staff know current promos
What to Ask
- "Do you offer medical card certification reimbursement?"
- "Any new patient discounts that offset certification costs?"
- "Do you have any Leafwell or telehealth partnerships?"
- "What's the total value of your first-time patient offers?"
Additional Discount Programs
Veterans
Many certification providers and dispensaries offer veteran discounts. Some providers offer 20-50% off consultations.
Ask about: Veteran discounts, VA documentation acceptance
Low-Income / Compassionate Care
Some providers have sliding-scale fees or compassionate care programs for patients demonstrating financial need.
Ask about: Compassionate care programs, income-based pricing
Renewal Discounts
Returning to the same provider for renewal? Many offer discounted renewal consultations versus new patient rates.
Ask about: Renewal pricing, loyalty discounts
Watch Out for Scams
- No website should charge you a "state fee" - Minnesota eliminated this fee in July 2023
- Be wary of very cheap certifications - some are not from licensed providers
- Verify the provider is licensed in Minnesota - ask for credentials if unsure
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Medical Card Resources
Ready to Get Your FREE Card?
The RISE Rewards + Leafwell partnership is the easiest path to a $0 medical card. Sign up for RISE Rewards, then schedule your free Leafwell consultation.