Medical pot sales to begin in Minnesota, but fight not over

For the qualifying patients seeking relief from pain, medical marijuana advocates and some lawmakers, Wednesday isn't the finish line, but the first step.

Minnesota's medical marijuana advocates snatched an unlikely victory from the Legislature last year after years of failed efforts, but there was little celebration.

Pills, oils and vapors are only available to patients suffering from severe conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV and AIDS.

The Democrat faced criticism for watering down her medical marijuana bill to get police and Gov. Mark Dayton on board.

Cappechi and other advocates already have ideas for how to improve it: allow more than eight dispensaries, add more manufacturers and patients who suffer from chronic pain, and perhaps lift the ban on smoking the drug.

[...] before expanding, Dr. Andrew Bachman, co-founder of the state's other medical marijuana manufacturer called LeafLine Labs, said they need time to show lawmakers and doctors alike that the new industry works.