North Dakota Has a Medical Cannabis Program
Measure 5 passed November 2016 with 64% of the vote. First dispensary opened March 2019. Recreational measures have failed (2018, 2022).
North Dakota Cannabis Quick Facts
| Status | Medical Only (Decriminalized) |
| Recreational | Not Legal |
| Medical | Legal |
| Decriminalized | Yes |
| Possession Limit | Medical patients: 2.5 oz per 30 days. Non-medical: under 0.5 oz decriminalized. |
| Medical Conditions | Cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, epilepsy, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, PTSD, chronic pain, and others |
| Regulatory Agency | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services |
Penalties & Enforcement
Under 0.5 oz: infraction, $1,000 fine. 0.5-500g: Class B misdemeanor.
Only registered medical patients with valid cards can legally possess cannabis. Non-patient possession remains a criminal offense. If you have a medical card from another state, check whether North Dakota accepts out-of-state cards before traveling.
What You Need to Know
Recreational Measure 27 failed in 2022 (55% No). Decriminalization passed via HB 1050 in 2019 (under 0.5 oz). 8 dispensary locations.
Nearby States with Legal Cannabis
North Dakota borders or is near states with legal recreational cannabis. Remember: transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime, even between two legal states.
Learn More
- How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card — state-by-state application guide
- Understanding State Cannabis Laws — how state and federal laws interact
- What to Expect at a Dispensary — first visit guide
- Dosing Fundamentals — start low, go slow
- Drug Interactions — check before combining cannabis with medications
- Driving & Impairment — DUI laws apply in every state
For support with quitting or cutting back on cannabis, visit our companion site CannabisDependence.org