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Exploring the Medical Marijuana Program might bring up lots of questions about the process, restrictions, and effects of marijuana itself—we’re here to make it simple and easy to understand. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people have when they start exploring medical marijuana.
What is medical marijuana and how is it different from recreational marijuana?
Medical marijuana is state-regulated and highly controlled for quality and access. Only approved North Dakota residents with a medical marijuana card can purchase medical marijuana products. In other recreational states, anyone of legal age can purchase marijuana products, which are not as tightly regulated.
Who can qualify for a medical marijuana card?
If you think you might qualify, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and get more information. If your provider doesn’t believe in marijuana as an alternative medicine, explore building a relationship with a marijuana friendly provider, such as one of the helpful medical experts on our Find a Provider page.
What are the qualifying conditions?
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in North Dakota, a patient must have a diagnosis of one or more of the following qualifying conditions. These conditions are recognized by the state for their potential benefit from medical marijuana treatment:
- Cancer
- Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Decompensated Cirrhosis caused by Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease or related Dementia
- Crohn’s Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Spinal Stenosis or chronic back pain, including Neuropathy or damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of Intractable Spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Anxiety Disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Neuropathy
- Migraine
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Brain Injury
- A terminal illness
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or treatment for such disease or medical condition that produces one or more of the following:
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Severe debilitating pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than three months or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects
- Intractable Nausea
- Seizures
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis
How do I find a provider who will sign my certification?
North Dakota Marijuana Connection has compiled a list of providers who would be happy to help you with your program application needs. You can find that list on the Find a Provider page.
Do I need a referral to see a marijuana-friendly provider?
No, you don’t need a referral, but you do need to have a bonafide relationship with your provider. If you’re struggling to find a provider who is open to helping you with the card application process, it’s easy to get started with our list of providers.
What is needed to apply for a medical marijuana card?
There are 3 main elements you will need for any application. They are:
- A clear, recent color photo
- A copy of the front of your ND state-issued driver’s license or non-driver ID
- The name and email address of your healthcare provider who is completing the written certification.
If you are a minor, you will also need the name, phone number, and email address of your parent or legal guardian and a copy of their North Dakota state-issued driver’s license or non-driver ID.
For a full tutorial of the Medical Marijuana Program application, visit our How to Become a Patient page.
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card?
Once your application is finished, it typically takes 7–10 days to process. After approval, the North Dakota Department of Health will mail your card to you. This may take several weeks, but you can download and print your card directly from your portal as soon as you’re approved.
For more details on the application process, visit our How to Become a Patient page.
How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card?
With the application, there is a $25 non-refundable application fee. A similar $25 fee applies each year during the renewal process. The cost of an appointment with a provider to get your written certification varies from provider to provider.
For more details on the application process, visit our How to Become a Patient page.
Is there an age requirement for getting a medical marijuana card?
Anyone of any age can get a medical marijuana card in North Dakota. However, patients must be 19 years old to purchase marijuana products themselves. Minors (under 19) can still get a medical marijuana card, but they will need the help of a parent or legal guardian to access products.
What are the types of usable medical marijuana in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, medical marijuana comes in a variety of forms to suit different needs. These include:
- Dried Leaves and Flowers
- Cannabinoid Concentrates or Extracts
- Examples of concentrates include vapes, wax, shatter, budder, RSO, PDO, and FSO.
- Medical Cannabinoid Products
- Solutions
- Capsules
- Transdermal Patches
- Topicals
These options allow patients to choose the method of use that works best for them.
How is medical marijuana regulated in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, medical marijuana is regulated in several ways to ensure it is used safely and appropriately:
– Patient Limits: Patients are limited in the amount of marijuana they can purchase within a 30-day period.
– Cannabinoid Types: There are also specific guidelines on the types of cannabinoids that patients can buy based on their medical needs.
Additionally, the state regulates the medical marijuana that dispensaries provide to ensure it meets quality and safety standards. The ND Department of Health oversees the cultivation, testing, distribution, and sale of medical marijuana to ensure patients receive safe and effective products.
How do I know if medical marijuana is right for me?
If you have a debilitating or chronic condition that might be eased by medical marijuana, it could be a good option for you—especially if other treatments haven’t provided relief or if you’re managing multiple medications. Medical marijuana has the potential to address several symptoms at once, offering a more holistic approach to your well-being.
What are the purchase and possession limits?
All patients are allowed to purchase up to 6,000 mg of products every 30 days, which does not include dried flowers or leaves.
For dried flowers and leaves, there are different purchase and possession limits based on your status:
- Standard: For all patients 19 and older
- Limits to 2.5 ounces purchased in 30 days and a possession limit of 3 ounces at any time.
- Enhanced: For patients diagnosed with cancer and authorized by a healthcare provider
- Limits to 6 ounces purchased in 30 days and a possession limit of 7.5 ounces at any time.
- Zero: For all patients under 19
- Zero ounces allowed to purchase or possess at any time.
Visit the North Dakota Medical Marijuana Program website for more information.
Where can I find a medical marijuana dispensary in North Dakota?
While North Dakota has a limited number of dispensaries, they are conveniently located across the state so you’ll be able to find one nearby. Here are the current dispensary locations:
- Fargo: Pure Dakota Health
- Grand Forks: Strive Life
- Devils Lake: Curaleaf
- Minot: Curaleaf
- Jamestown: Curaleaf
- Bismarck: Pure Dakota Health of Bismarck
- Dickinson: Curaleaf
- Williston: Pure Dakota Health of Williston
For more information about the North Dakota dispensaries, visit our Dispensaries page.
Are dispensaries licensed and regulated?
Yes, dispensaries in North Dakota are highly regulated to ensure safety and compliance with state laws. They must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Health (ND DOH) and adhere to strict standards regarding product quality, security, and distribution. This includes monitoring purchase limits, maintaining proper inventory, and ensuring that all products meet state health and safety guidelines.
For more details on the regulations, check out the official North Dakota Department of Health guidelines.
How can I buy marijuana in North Dakota?
To buy marijuana in North Dakota, you need to have a medical marijuana card. To qualify, you need to be diagnosed with a chronic illness and be certified by a medical provider. Check out the process here.
Where can I purchase marijuana in North Dakota?
With your medical marijuana card, you can purchase cannabinoids at any of the eight state regulated dispensaries in the state. For a full list, visit our Dispensaries page.