Costs, Restrictions Affecting Minnesota’s Medical Marijuana Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — 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.

A vial of extract in Minnesota is nearly $130, more than double the cost of a similar product in Colorado.

Executives at Minnesota's two medicinal marijuana companies say they're working to bring down prices and setting up charitable foundations to help patients pay.