North Dakota has a medical marijuana program that voters approved in 2016, but recreational legalization efforts have failed multiple times, most recently in 2024 when Measure 5 was narrowly defeated. The medical program allows patients to purchase up to 7.5 ounces per month from licensed dispensaries, but home cultivation is prohibited. The state represents a more conservative approach to cannabis policy, allowing medical access but maintaining strong opposition to recreational use. North Dakota continues to be one of the few remaining states where recreational cannabis legalization has been repeatedly rejected by voters.
To get a medical marijuana card in North Dakota: 1) Consult with a licensed North Dakota physician who can certify you have a qualifying condition, 2) Get written certification from the doctor, 3) Submit application to the North Dakota Department of Health with required documents and fees, 4) Receive compassionate use card upon approval.
Medical marijuana qualifying conditions include: cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, PTSD, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, chronic back pain including neuropathy and damage to nervous tissue in the spinal cord, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, and terminal illnesses. The state may approve additional conditions through petition process.
The North Dakota Department of Health oversees the medical marijuana program, including patient registration and dispensary oversight. The department handles licensing, regulation, and compliance for medical cannabis cultivation, processing, and retail operations throughout the state.
Yes, medical marijuana patients must register with the North Dakota Department of Health to receive a compassionate use identification card. This card is required to legally possess and purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries in the state.
Qualified medical patients access cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries with their medical marijuana compassionate use card and valid government ID. Patients can purchase up to 7.5 ounces of marijuana from licensed dispensaries once every 30 days, which is higher than many other medical states.
Medical marijuana registration costs and renewal schedules are set by the North Dakota Department of Health. Cards must be renewed periodically with updated physician certifications. Patients can purchase up to 7.5 ounces every 30 days, which is among the higher limits for medical programs.
