Minnesota is one of the states to have legalized medical marijuana despite the fact that it remains illegal under federal law. The legal use of this drug for medicinal purposes in select states gives rise to the issue of how it should be handled in cases involving workplace injuries paid for by workers’ compensation benefits. Because the legalization of marijuana for medical uses is addressed at a state level and workers’ compensation is a state program, it is the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry that needed to make a decision about this.
Business Insurance notes that the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has approved the use of marijuana under workers’ compensation. Some believe that pot offers a better alternative to opioids in the management of pain due to the serious side effects and addiction issues associated with other pain medications. The cost of marijuana is also lower than that of other drugs which is yet another benefit to covering it for workers’ compensation claims.
Coverage for medical expenses is an important type of benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation program. This can include costs for medications, such as marijuana, rehabilitation, hospitalizations, surgeries and more. A work injury such as one caused by repetitive stress can lead to the need for chronic pain management which can often be addressed through the use of medical marijuana.
The professionals at Lindberg Law, P.C. know how to help people like you in Minnesota with their medical expenses for workers’ compensation claims including those involving pain management drugs like medical marijuana.
