North Dakota voters approved the Compassionate Care Act (Initiated Statutory Measure No. 5) in November 2016 with 64% support, legalizing medical cannabis. The program is administered by the Division of Medical Marijuana within the Department of Health and Human Services. The state operates a tightly regulated system with eight registered dispensaries distributed across designated regions, each covering a 50-mile radius from selected cities. As of 2026, the program serves an estimated 3,700 to 8,000 registered patients, a relatively small program reflecting the state's population. Qualifying conditions include cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Crohn's disease, and terminal illness. A 2018 recreational legalization ballot measure was defeated with 59% voting against, and no subsequent adult-use proposals have advanced. Patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces of dried cannabis in a 30-day period.
Ask the Expert about North DakotaN.D.C.C. §19-24.1 (Compassionate Care Act)
Division of Medical Marijuana, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services