Health officials say most Minnesota patients who used medical marijuana during the first year of the state's tightly regulated program reported benefits. Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger says early data show the drug is providing many people with "substantial benefits, minimal side effects and no serious adverse events.''
Top state lawmakers are trying to work out a system allowing Iowa residents to start buying medical marijuana oils and pills in Minnesota, a novel arrangement that could raise issues with the federal government.
Since it's passing by the state, the use of medical marijuana has been a controversial issue. In 2015, Minnesota became the 22nd state to legalize the drug.
Former officials from one of Minnesota's licensed medical marijuana manufacturers have been charged with illegally shipping marijuana oil to a New York subsidiary.