Black Bear × Green Bridge

Your discount is applied automatically when you book through this page. Use BLACKBEARMN for Minnesota, BLACKBEARNEW for PA new patients, or BLACKBEARREN for PA renewals if prompted in the booking form.

Minnesota: All patients pay $75 with BLACKBEARMN (regularly $149, a $74 savings). Minnesota eliminated the state enrollment fee in July 2023, so there's no separate state fee.

Pennsylvania: New patients pay $95 with BLACKBEARNEW (regularly $125, $30 savings). Renewals pay $45 with BLACKBEARREN (regularly $50, $5 savings). The PA Department of Health charges a separate annual state registration fee paid directly to the state.

Several major advantages: medical patients are exempt from Minnesota's 10% cannabis sales tax, can purchase higher quantities than recreational consumers, qualify at age 18+ (recreational requires 21+), and get pharmacist-guided product selection at dispensaries. The medical certification also lasts 3 years — much longer than most state programs.

Minnesota requires medical patients to complete a Patient Self-Evaluation (PSE) in their registry account every 90 days during the first year of enrollment. Dispensaries cannot sell to you if your PSE is out of date. Green Bridge Society automatically sends you reminders before each cycle so you never lapse — this is included with every Minnesota certification at no extra cost.

No. Minnesota veterans who receive care through the VA can self-certify using the OCM's Veteran Certification Form — no practitioner visit required. You'll need a Veteran Identification Card and an attestation that you've been diagnosed with one of Minnesota's 19 qualifying conditions. Submit through the MN OCM Registry and you'll receive an enrollment link by email. If you want help navigating the OCM portal, our team can still assist — just call 814-360-5353.

Pennsylvania recognizes 23 qualifying medical conditions including chronic pain, anxiety disorders, PTSD, cancer, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, sickle cell anemia, opioid use disorder under specific criteria, and several others. If you're unsure whether you qualify, the intake form will ask about your conditions and your provider will discuss them on the call.

Minnesota recognizes 19 qualifying conditions including chronic pain, intractable pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, severe muscle spasms, IBD (including Crohn's), IBS, OCD, sleep apnea, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's, ALS, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette's, sickle cell disease, chronic motor or vocal tic disorder, and terminal illness. Minnesota's intractable pain category is broad — many patients qualify under this provision.

Pennsylvania: Yes. We assist with logins, password resets, address verification, state fee payment, and any error messages the portal throws at you. PA's portal can be finicky.

Minnesota: Yes. After certification, the OCM emails you a unique registration link. We follow up to make sure you complete enrollment within the 60-day window and help if anything goes sideways.

No problem — your provider will try you again and may follow up by text. Please keep your ringer on during your selected window. Calls can show up as "Unknown," "No Caller ID," or "Spam Risk" depending on your carrier, so don't screen those out. If we can't reach you at all, our team will email you to reschedule at no charge.

Minnesota: 3 years from OCM approval. Re-enrollment opens 60 days before expiration — significantly longer than most state programs.

Pennsylvania: 1 year. Both state registration and doctor certification renew annually. We'll remind you when it's time.

Pennsylvania: Records help and are typically required for new patients. If you have a recent diagnosis or documentation, upload it during intake. If not, we offer an evaluation add-on so the doctor can document your condition during the call.

Minnesota: Documentation isn't strictly required at certification — your practitioner can establish your qualifying condition during the visit. Bringing records still speeds the call along.

Minnesota: Once your certification is submitted, the OCM emails you a registration link. Most patients are approved within 72 hours of a complete application. Note: Black Bear Winona is currently an adult-use dispensary, so you can already shop there at 21+ with regular ID — the medical card adds tax savings and 18+ access.

Pennsylvania: Most patients can shop the same day or within 24 hours of certification. After portal registration and paying the state fee, PA issues a temporary digital card that dispensaries accept.

Yes. Your medical cannabis card is valid at every licensed dispensary in your state — your card works statewide regardless of which dispensary you eventually visit. The card and the partner discount are separate things: the partner discount comes through Black Bear at booking time, and the card itself is good anywhere.

Yes. All consultations are conducted through HIPAA-compliant telehealth infrastructure, and your records are handled under the same federal privacy standards as any in-person doctor visit. Your information is never sold, never shared with dispensaries, and never used for anything outside of your certification and any follow-up support you request.