North Dakota Marijuana License

North Dakota voters approved the Compassionate Care Act in 2016 (Measure 5). The Department of Health and Human Services registers compassion centers, which include manufacturing facilities and dispensaries, and issues patient cards.

State law caps the number of compassion centers, and the existing registrations are held by current operators. New registrations are only offered if a slot opens. Adult-use measures failed in 2018, 2022 and 2024.

• Manufacturing facility (including production-only and processor-only types)
• Dispensary

• Background checks for owners, board members and agents
• Security and inventory tracking rules
• Registrations are capped by law

• Certification fees: manufacturing facility $75,000; dispensary $60,000; production-only manufacturing facility $40,000; processor-only facility $20,000

1. Monitor HHS for any open compassion center registration.
2. Prepare ownership disclosures, security plans and proof of funds.
3. Apply during the open window and pay the certification fee if selected.

• Medical use only
• Patients may buy up to 2.5 ounces of flower in a 30-day period
• No home cultivation

• North Dakota resident with a debilitating condition, such as cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, epilepsy and others
• Written certification from a health care provider

1. Get a written certification.
2. Apply online with HHS and pay the fee.
3. Receive your registry card.