Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Medical Cannabis will hold a public meeting in Rochester Wednesday to talk about the state’s new medical marijuana program.

Officials also want to get thoughts from citizens about whether intractable or chronic pain should be added to the  list of medical conditions that qualify people to participate in the program.

According to the Associated Press, the decision ultimately lies with Department of Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger, who assembled an advisory group of medical professionals to weigh the addition with the goal of forwarding him a recommendation by the end of the year. The patients being considered must have pain for which "no relief or cure of the cause of the pain is possible," though the state could expand — or tighten — those standards.  The state Legislature could reject his decision.

Program Director Michelle Larson says about 370 providers and 361 patients statewide have signed up for the medical cannabis program since it began July 1st.

Today’s meeting will be held at the Rochester Public Library, running from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

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