Minnesota Senior Care providers face unique challenges when it comes to accommodating residents who use cannabis. With the legalization of medical cannabis in the state, it’s necessary for settings to establish guidelines for cannabis storage, compliance with state regulations, and resident safety.
Cannabis storage
Minnesota Statutes, section 342.56 subd. 2 does not require senior care settings to store, or handle cannabis. Most experts recommend mitigating risk by not handling or storing with resident cannabis products. While the healthcare organization shouldn’t store resident cannabis, it is important to require secure cannabis storage. The resident or decision maker must ensure that cannabis products are stored in a locked container to reduce the risk of another resident accessing the substance.
Prohibiting or Limiting Cannabis Use
Many individuals inquire about the possibility of prohibiting cannabis on the organization’s premises. Enforcing a total ban on cannabis use on company property poses challenges and is likely to encounter issues. A more practical and easier-to-implement approach is to restrict the types of cannabis products permitted. For instance, numerous organizations prohibit the use of smokable cannabis or enforce strict guidelines regarding when and where smokable cannabis can be used.
Cannabis disposal
The question of responsibility for disposing of resident cannabis is often asked. The Minnesota Department of Health tells us “The resident or the resident’s designee is responsible for cannabis disposal. Residents should not give cannabis to facility employees for disposal. Disposal of a resident’s adult-use cannabis due to death or discharge should be addressed in facility policy”.
Suggested practices
Proper storage of cannabis in Minnesota long-term care facilities is essential to ensure legal compliance, resident safety, and efficient management of controlled substances. Review cannabis related policies and procedures, discuss cannabis use with your medical director, provide education to all staff on cannabis management, and don’t forget to check the systems. By implementing best practices such as education, installing clear policies, and performing regular audits, organizations can create a safe and supportive environment for residents who use cannabis.
For more information, check out the Minnesota Department of Health FAQ.