Big changes are coming to Minnesota’s medical cannabis program next month, when patients will be able to access edibles starting Aug. 1.

The change was approved last year, when the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that cannabis edibles and flower would be made available to the state’s patient base.

RELATED: Minnesota to Add Infused Edibles to Medical Cannabis Program

Minnesota’s dispensaries began selling flower March 1 as part of the rule change.

To access new product formats, such as flower and edibles, patients enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program must have a consultation with their dispensary, according to a local KSTP report, and patients are encouraged to set up an appointment ahead of Aug. 1 if they are interested in edible products.

“The state’s medical cannabis program continues to respond to the needs of patients, and gummies and chews may be useful options for those who may have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets, do not want to smoke medical cannabis, or don’t like the taste of other forms of medicine,” MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm said in a statement.

The rule change regarding medical cannabis edibles is separate from a state law that took effect July 1 to allow the sale of edibles and beverages infused with hemp-derived THC.

RELATED: Cannabis Edibles and Beverages Containing Hemp-Derived THC Now Legal in Minnesota

Under that law, adults 21 and older can purchase “edible cannabinoid products” that contain a maximum of 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per serving and 50 milligrams per package, and a maximum of 0.3% THC by dry weight.

The sale of edibles containing CBD and delta-8 THC was already legal in Minnesota, but the new law that took effect this month allows for delta-9 THC to be used as an additive in edibles and beverages as long as it is derived from legally certified hemp.

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy is responsible for regulating those products, while the MDH continues to oversee the state’s medical cannabis program.