Decision Looms on Use of Medical Pot for Pain

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Health Department is set to announce whether it will expand the legal use of medical marijuana to cover people with intractable pain.

The department's top leaders were due to announce their decision Wednesday after several meetings around the state to gather public input.

Medical marijuana's use was restricted to just a handful of conditions when it was approved by state legislators. That disappointed supporters of the drug and has held down enrollment, leading to higher costs for those using it.

A decision on whether to add chronic pain had been legally required by Jan. 1.