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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Regulators of Minnesota's new medical cannabis program are seeking to certify laboratories to test the marijuana cultivated for medicinal use.
The Department of Health advertised Tuesday for specialized labs to test for "content, contamination and consistency" of the drug. Applications are due next month and labs should be chosen by mid-April.
It's the latest move to get Minnesota's limited medical marijuana program off the ground by summer.
Lawmakers legalized medical marijuana for a handful of conditions like cancer, HIV and AIDS last year. It will be available in pill, oil or vaporized form but eligible patients won't be allowed to get it in plant form for smoking.
Two manufacturers have been selected to cultivate the cannabis. If all goes as planned, the medicine will be available starting July 2015.
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