The three changes
Telehealth for initial evaluations: HB 1203 ended the in-person-first requirement, making North Dakota one of the states where the entire certification process happens from home — significant in a rural state where the nearest certifying physician could be hours away. Two-year cards: SB 2294 doubled validity from one year, halving the recertification burden ($50 state fee per cycle, per ND HHS). Edibles: low-dose gummies and lozenges (5 mg THC per serving) joined the legal product list.
Program limits stay conservative: 3 oz usable cannabis (6 oz for cancer patients with authorization), no home cultivation, and a 19+ minimum age — the country's only program that isn't 18+.
If you're certifying in North Dakota
The path is now: telehealth evaluation with an ND-licensed provider, state application ($50), card valid two years. Qualifying conditions follow a defined list (cancer, seizures, PTSD, chronic pain, and others — the full set is on our North Dakota page). Some out-of-state cards are honored for visitors, which remains rare nationally.
One verification note from our own research: ND HHS documents in 2026 have cited both $40 and $50 patient fees — we display $50 per the patients page and flag the discrepancy until the state's materials agree.
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Cannabis use carries risks; consult a licensed physician about whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you. Federal status (as of June 2026): marijuana dispensed under state medical licenses and FDA-approved cannabis products are Schedule III controlled substances; all other marijuana remains Schedule I under U.S. federal law. Laws cited here change; confirm current rules with the linked primary sources before acting on them.