North Dakota will roll out several updates to its medical cannabis program, starting August 1, making it easier for patients to access treatment and offering new product choices. These changes come after lawmakers passed multiple bills to improve the state’s approach to medical cannabis.
One of the key changes includes the approval of low-dose THC edibles. Under HB 1203, dispensaries can now offer soft or hard THC-infused square-shaped lozenges. The edibles should contain no more than 5mg of THC per serving, with a package cap of 50mg. However, other THC-infused food and drinks will remain banned.
Jake Mittelsteadt, who oversees retail operations at Pure Dakota Health in Bismarck, noted that allowing edibles could significantly improve patient experience. He explained that while tinctures and capsules are already available, many patients prefer edibles for their ease of use.
Not everyone supported the edibles measure. Stephanie Engebretson, speaking for the North Dakota Chiefs of Police Association, expressed concerns about children’s safety. She pointed out that edibles often appeal to kids and that their delayed effects might lead users to overconsume.
The association recommended stronger safety measures, like locking edibles away when children are present and removing any appealing flavors. However, none of those suggestions made it into the final version.
The legislation also allows patients to use telehealth for their initial appointments—something that was previously only permitted for renewals. This change is expected to help more people enter the program, especially in areas where finding a supportive doctor has been a challenge.
According to Mittelsteadt, some patients in rural areas like Williston struggle to find a healthcare provider willing to approve medical cannabis use. In those cases, patients often have to travel to places like Watford City to get the documentation they need.
According to Jason Wahl, the state’s medical cannabis program director, the state cannot require any healthcare provider to participate in the program. He noted that involvement is entirely at the provider’s discretion.
Another legislative update, SB 2294, extends the validity of medical cannabis cards from one to two years. This change could reduce the administrative burden on both patients and providers.
As of 2024, North Dakota had issued over 10,000 medical cannabis cards, including for caregivers. Although the patient base has grown steadily since 2017, when the law first passed, that growth has recently plateaued. The program’s funding now comes solely from application and permit fees.
Additionally SB 2293, also effective in August, sets a 1-gram limit for THC concentrate containers. It also allows patients without state IDs, due to medical issues, to use alternative documentation to qualify.
These progressive changes are welcome developments to the wider marijuana industry in the country, including leading enterprises like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (TSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), since they are aimed at increasing medical marijuana accessibility.
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