Though medical marijuana has been legalized in the state of North Dakota, it can be difficult to get your hands on it. To legally buy medical marijuana in North Dakota, you’ll need to obtain an official medical marijuana card from the state’s health department. However, this can be a slow and arduous process that involves paying hefty fees and submitting yourself to invasive medical tests.

A North Dakota medical marijuana card will allow you to access legal medical marijuana products. The North Dakota department of health advises residents with qualified medical conditions that qualify for North Dakota’s medical marijuana program. In order to have a formal program, only residents of North Dakota can be eligible for a medical marijuana card; out-of-state patients are not eligible unless they are visiting temporarily.

Eligible patients must obtain their certification from one of two options: either be issued an approval by your physician or apply directly through a qualified hospital as part of its clinical research study. Details on the process is explained below in How to Get a North Dakota Medical Marijuana Card.

List Of Qualifying Conditions For a Medical Marijuana Card in North Dakota

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Anorexia nervosa, Anxiety disorder, Autism spectrum disorder, Brain injury, Bulimia nervosa, cachexia or wasting syndrome, chronic or debilitating disease, crohn’s disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Endometriosis, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Hepatitis C, Neuropathy, Migraine, Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Rheumatoid arthritis Severe debilitating pain, Spinal stenosis, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, intractable migraines, unresponsive to other treatments, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Tourette’s syndrome.

Severe muscle spasms including those caused by multiple sclerosis, seizures including those characteristic of epilepsy or severe and persistent muscle spasms; or any other chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition where the medical use of marijuana has been deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a practitioner.

Minors can qualify for medical marijuana if two physicians agree that he/she will benefit from treatment. If only one physician recommends treatment then written consent from both parents must be provided. If only one parent is available for consent then written consent must be provided.

 

North Dakota Medical Marijuana Law

Medical marijuana in North Dakota is legal if used for medical conditions but illegal for recreational use. As of 2019, however, possession of less than 1/2 ounce is decriminalized in the sense, state voters voted to legalize recreational marijuana, along with Michigan. 

 

How do I get a medical marijuana card in North Dakota?

While you can’t yet obtain cannabis from dispensaries in ND, you can apply for an ID card that allows you to purchase medical marijuana tax-free if and when it becomes available. You’ll

Need to complete an application and provide your medical records. The whole process should take about 10 minutes and will cost $25, which is fully refundable after you receive your ID card or if your application is denied.

 

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in North Dakota?

Before you can get your medical marijuana card in North Dakota, you must first be approved by a doctor. Even if you’re not convinced about using cannabis for medicinal purposes, it’s worth visiting your physician just to hear his or her opinion on whether it could help with any of your chronic health conditions. Doctors may even want to make sure that you haven’t used marijuana recently before giving their approval, since there is no way for them to test for drug use directly during an office visit.

Step 1 – Speak with a Physician

When you’re ready to start using medical marijuana, it’s important that you first speak with your physician. Your doctor should give you a recommendation for cannabis based on your health conditions and any other treatments that are currently being used. The doctor will also help you determine how much cannabis is appropriate for your condition. In addition, he or she can offer advice about which type of product would be best suited to treat your symptoms. This can include anything from oils and edibles to vaporizers and tinctures.

Step 2 – Pay the Fee and Submit Your Application

Once you get the recommendation, attend your appointment and discuss with your physician why you would like an MMJ Card.

The doctor will ask you questions based on your medical history and provide you with advice and guidance on whether medical marijuana is a good choice for you. If you are approved, your certificate is automatically inputted into the states and medical marijuana registry.

Step 3 – Go Online and Create an Account

Complete the Application on the government website. This process takes place on the North Dakota government website. You will need to upload your ID and fill in the application. There is a $50 application fee.

 If you are approved, you will receive your card in approximately 10 days. The physical card will then be mailed to you, which will have your photo and identifying information on it. You can also use your electronic ID, instead of a physical card. Both of these options will allow you access to medical marijuana dispensaries throughout North Dakota.

If you do not get approval right away, don’t worry! The state only has two doctors who review applications and they are often busy reviewing hundreds of other applications as well.

 

How Long Does It Take to Get an ND MMJ?

Following the submission of all necessary application documentation and receipt of a written certification from your health care provider, this step will take 2-4 weeks. After approval you will be able to purchase medical marijuana from a North Dakota dispensary.

 

Other Information on the North Dakota Medical Marijuana License Process

You need to know more information about how much one should purchase and consume medical marijuana, from where to purchase, how to renew the card and many more as follows

 

How Much Can I Purchase & Possess with an MMJ Card?

How to Get North Dakota Medical Marijuana?

Most states limit the amount a patient with medical marijuana can possess. Generally the limits are in ounces of usable marijuana or the number of days the marijuana would provide the patient. Qualified patients and designated providers who are entered into the medical marijuana database may legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces and possess 3 ounces at any time.

Any adult aged 21 or older can purchase any combination of the following from a licensed retail marijuana store:

• One ounce of usable marijuana
• Sixteen ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form
• Seventy-two ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form, or
• Seven grams of marijuana concentrate

Where Can I Use MMJ in North Dakota?

You cannot use medical marijuana in public places such as parks and sidewalks; you cannot use it while driving. You need to use it in private places or you can use it at your home too.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense and generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.

Can I Use a Caregiver?

 Caregivers must also have a valid ID card and be over 21. You cannot have more than one primary caregiver, so if you plan on using someone other than your parents, they’ll need to be able to provide full-time care for you. Caregivers are also required by law to stay within 25 miles of their patients at all times.

They must complete the same registration formalities and application procedures just like patients and need to check their criminal background every two years.

How Do I Renew My North Dakota Medical Marijuana Card?

Since your medical marijuana card expires every year, you will need to renew it. You should begin the renewal process within 45 days from the card expiration. To do so, simply follow these three easy steps:

1) Fill out and submit a renewal form;

2) Schedule an appointment with your doctor;

3) Mail in your payment.

That’s all there is to it! The whole process should take no more than 30 minutes, though you may have an appointment scheduled for up to an hour.

Can Minors Use MMJ?

While medical marijuana is legal in some states, it’s important for patients to know that medical marijuana laws vary widely from state-to-state. Laws regarding minors’ use of medical marijuana also vary by state. Those who have aged 18 or younger 18 can get medical marijuana, but they need a parent or legal guardian to complete their application.

Final Thoughts on Getting a North Dakota Medical Marijuana Card

Getting a medical marijuana card in North Dakota is not difficult, but it does take some time. You will need to provide valid documents and meet all criteria. Once you are approved by the state, you can purchase marijuana at any of our listed dispensaries.

Getting your card is just one of many steps in securing medical marijuana for yourself or loved ones, but it’s an important first step. Although cannabis is legal in North Dakota, federal law prohibits dispensaries from shipping medical cannabis. Instead, patients must be referred by their doctor and complete an application before they can receive their ID card. Once you have received your card, you will need to select a dispensary with whom you want to work.