Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Legal (2016) — No Adult Use | 2016 (Measure 5) | No (Measure 2 failed 2022) | Licensed dispensaries — 8 statewide, medical card required | USD 45-85/eighth | No |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Measure 5 passes (64%) — medical cannabis legalised in North Dakota |
| 2019 | First medical dispensaries open after regulatory setup period |
| 2022 | Measure 2 (adult-use legalisation) fails with 55% voting against |
| 2024 | Eight licensed dispensaries statewide; patient registration stable |
How to Access Cannabis in North Dakota
- Consult a North Dakota-licensed physician to certify a qualifying condition
- Apply to the North Dakota Department of Health for a patient registration card
- Receive your patient card (USD 50/year)
- Visit one of the 8 licensed dispensaries statewide
- Patients may possess up to 3oz of usable cannabis
Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- ALS
- PTSD
- Agitation from Alzheimer's
- Crohn's disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Cachexia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis
Licensed Dispensaries & Providers
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ND Dept. of Health and Human Services | hhs.nd.gov | Official regulator — patient registry and dispensary list |
| Bloom Dispensary ND | N/A | Licensed North Dakota medical dispensary |
| GreenLight ND | N/A | Licensed dispensary serving ND medical patients |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Flower — 1/8 oz (3.5g) | USD 45-85 | No insurance coverage |
| Oil/tincture (30ml) | USD 50-90 | No coverage |
| Vape cartridge (0.5g) | USD 40-75 | No coverage |
| Patient card (annual) | USD 50 | Not covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in North Dakota?+
Yes — North Dakota has a medical cannabis programme since 2016. Eight licensed dispensaries serve registered patients. Recreational use remains illegal after voters rejected adult-use in 2022.
Is recreational cannabis legal in North Dakota?+
No — Measure 2 (adult-use legalisation) was rejected in 2022, with 55% of voters opposing. Recreational possession is a criminal offence.
How do I get a medical card in North Dakota?+
A physician certifies your qualifying condition, and you register with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. The card costs USD 50 per year.
How many dispensaries are in North Dakota?+
Eight licensed dispensaries operate statewide. Given North Dakota's rural character, some patients have significant travel distances to reach a dispensary.
What is the possession limit in North Dakota?+
Registered medical patients may possess up to 3 ounces of usable cannabis and the amount prescribed by their physician for a 30-day supply.
Is North Dakota likely to revisit adult-use legalisation?+
Reform advocates have not given up. With adult-use legal in neighbouring Montana and Minnesota, pressure for reform continues. A future ballot measure is possible but not yet scheduled.