Eagan, MN (NNCNOW.com) -- It's been nearly one year since medical cannabis was legalized in Minnesota. Medical marijuana has already made a significant difference for many Minnesotans who suffered tough times before it was legalized.

Visits to the state’s eight cannabis clinics doubled in August, the first month that pain patients were allowed into the program.

Visits to the state’s eight cannabis clinics doubled in August, the first month that pain patients were allowed into the program.

Most medical cannabis patients who completed a survey reported benefits from the medication, according to the results of a voluntary survey of patients enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program during its first three months.

Expanding the list of qualifying conditions to include intractable pain marks a critical juncture in the year-old program, which is among the most restrictive in the country.

Expanding the list of qualifying conditions to include intractable pain marks a critical juncture in the year-old program, which is among the most restrictive in the country.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Since the passage of the medical marijuana bill in Minnesota, patients across the state have been helped.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Since the passage of the medical marijuana bill in Minnesota, patients across the state have been helped.

Demand for its moisture packs grows along with legal marijuana business.

The state's tightly controlled program has seen high costs and low enrollment. Pain patients might turn the tide.

The state's tightly controlled program has seen high costs and low enrollment. Pain patients might turn the tide.

Minnesotans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be able to enroll in the state’s medical marijuana program starting Aug. 1, the state Health Department announced Thursday afternoon.

Minnesotans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be able to enroll in the state’s medical marijuana program starting Aug. 1, the state Health Department announced Thursday afternoon.

ST. PAUL — Legalizing recreational marijuana would fall into the hands of voters if a proposal by State Rep. Jason Metsa, DFL-Virginia, makes its way through the Legislature.

ST. PAUL — Legalizing recreational marijuana would fall into the hands of voters if a proposal by State Rep. Jason Metsa, DFL-Virginia, makes its way through the Legislature.

Severe pain drove this average Minnesotan to seek the comforts of medical cannabis. Here's how things worked out for her.