Question 1

Does Balanced Cannatherapeutics serve children or adults?

Accepted Answer

Balanced CannaTherapeutics
 Through Balanced CannaTherapeutics, Dr. Slater provides cannabis education and personalized health coaching for adults age 21 and older. These sessions focus on understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), exploring plant-based wellness options, and learning how to use cannabinoids safely and effectively. Because cannabis remains federally classified as a Schedule I substance, it cannot be prescribed, and all services are strictly educational and non-medical. Dr. Slater does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe but can guide adults in understanding how to pursue medical cannabis certification within their state’s laws and support them in developing evidence-based wellness plans.

Balanced Kids MN
 Through Balanced Kids MN, Dr. Slater provides licensed, integrative pediatric care for children, adolescents, and young adults. She offers medical supervision, diagnostic evaluation, and prescriptive care, and is authorized to certify patients age 21 and under for medical cannabis use when medically appropriate.

Question 2

Is cannabis safe for children and adolescents? What about the impact on developing brains?

Accepted Answer

When used under proper medical supervision—with the right formulation, dose, and timing—cannabis can be safe for pediatric and young adult patients. However, it requires careful consideration and individualized care.

Most concerns about cannabis and brain development stem from observational studies on recreational, unsupervised use of high-potency THC in adolescents. These studies overlook the medical context and the hundreds of other therapeutic compounds found in the cannabis plant—such as CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes—which can have very different effects.

Dr. Slater uses a conservative, evidence-informed approach to assess the potential risks and benefits for each patient. Medical cannabis is never one-size-fits-all. With appropriate oversight, education, and follow-up, this therapy can be safely implemented to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life—especially in cases where conventional treatments have not been effective.

Question 3

Why should I get certified for medical cannabis if cannabis is already easy to access?

Accepted Answer

While recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older in Minnesota, getting certified as a medical cannabis patient provides several important advantages—especially when cannabis is being used as medicine:

1. ESSENTIAL if under 21 years of age
If less than 21 years of age with complex medical needs, medical certification is the only legal & structured pathway to accessing cannabis. Using cannabis in youth without certification or medical oversight may carry significant legal & ethical risks.

2. Legal Protections
Certified medical cannabis patients may receive greater legal protections in certain healthcare, housing, or employment contexts. Medical certification provides formal documentation that cannabis is being used as part of a care plan.

3. Tax Benefits
In Minnesota, medical cannabis is exempt from some taxes that apply to recreational cannabis—making treatment more cost-effective over time.

4. Access to a variety of potencies & Formulation Options
Depending on your state, medical patients have access to higher potency products & alternative delivery methods such as tinctures, capsules, & topical formulations. These are helpful to manage severe or chronic symptoms.

Question 4

Is this legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medical cannabis is legal for individuals of all ages in the state of Minnesota. However, because cannabis remains federally classified as a Schedule I substance, all services are provided in compliance with state law. Certification services are conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program.

Question 5

What are qualifying conditions for medical cannabis?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota recognizes many health conditions as qualifying conditions, including:

Alzheimer's disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Autism spectrum disorder (must meet DSM-5)
Cancer*
Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder
Chronic pain
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
Intractable Pain
Irritable bowel syndrome
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Sickle cell disease
Terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of less than one year*
Tourette syndrome
Any medical condition for which a patient’s health care practitioner has recommended, approved, or authorized the use of cannabis by that individual to treat the condition

Even if your condition is not specifically listed, you may still qualify if medical cannabis is deemed helpful for symptom relief. Dr. Slater will conduct a thorough review of your health history to determine eligibility.

Sarah@balancedcannatherapeutics.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Balanced Cannatherapeutics serve children or adults?

Is cannabis safe for children and adolescents? What about the impact on developing brains?

Why should I get certified for medical cannabis if cannabis is already easy to access?

Is this legal?

What are qualifying conditions for medical cannabis?