Department Updates North Dakota Medical Marijuana Program With New Fees and Edible Regulations

In a recent meeting of the Administrative Rules Committee held on September 2, 2025, significant amendments to North Dakota's medical marijuana program were discussed, reflecting changes from the latest legislative session. The proposed amendments primarily focus on two areas: fee adjustments and the introduction of cannabinoid edible products into the program.

The meeting highlighted that the North Dakota Department of Health had complied with all necessary requirements regarding the changes to the administrative rules. Following a public hearing, which yielded no comments, the amendments were submitted to the Attorney General's office for review. The Attorney General confirmed that the rules are in compliance with state law and approved their legality.

One of the key amendments involves an increase in the application fee for resident qualifying patients from $20.25 to $40. However, due to a change in state law that extends the expiration date of the medical marijuana card from one year to two years, patients will effectively see a decrease in costs over time, amounting to a $10 savings over the two-year period. Additionally, a new fee of $40 for non-resident qualifying patient applications has been introduced.

Other amendments include modifications to the fee structure for lost cards and the elimination of fees for name changes on cards. Changes were also proposed to improve inventory management processes at manufacturing facilities and dispensaries, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.

A notable addition to the administrative code is related to cannabinoid edible products, which were recently legalized. The amendments outline requirements for marketing, packaging, and ingredient disclosure, as well as testing protocols for these products. Furthermore, the amendments specify how long reserve samples must be maintained at manufacturing facilities.

The meeting concluded with no questions from committee members, indicating a smooth approval process for the proposed changes. As North Dakota continues to adapt its medical marijuana regulations, these amendments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline operations and ensure compliance with evolving state laws. The next steps will involve implementing these changes and monitoring their impact on the medical marijuana program and its users.