North Dakota Statewide Rule
North Dakota Medical Cannabis Dispensary Licensing Standards
Key Facts
- Statute
- NDCC 19-24.1
- Statewide cap
- 8 dispensaries
- School buffer
- 1,000 feet minimum
- Licensing agency
- ND DHHS
Summary
North Dakota's Compassionate Care Act (NDCC 19-24.1) establishes statewide licensing of medical cannabis dispensaries with mandatory location buffers, preempting local approval of additional dispensaries beyond the state cap.
19-24.1-35. Facility restrictions. 1. A basic care facility, nursing facility, assisted living facility, adult day care facility, or adult foster care home licensed in the state may adopt reasonable restrictions on the medical use of marijuana by residents or individuals receiving inpatient services, including: a. The facility will not store or maintain the registered qualifying patient's supply of usable marijuana. b. The facility, caregivers, or hospice agencies serving the facility's residents are not responsible for providing the usable marijuana for registered qualifying patients or assisting with the medical use of marijuana. c. Usable marijuana can be consumed by a method other than vaporizing or combustion. d. Consumption of usable marijuana is limited to a place specified by the facility. 2. A facility listed in subsection 1 may not unreasonably limit a registered qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana as authorized under this chapter unless failing to do Page No. 23 so would cause the facility to lose a monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations. 19-24.1-36. Rules. 1.
Full Breakdown
Under NDCC Chapter 19-24.1, the ND Department of Health and Human Services licenses up to eight dispensaries statewide, distributed by region. State law mandates dispensaries be located at least 1,000 feet from schools and prohibits operation in residentially zoned areas. Cities may impose additional zoning restrictions consistent with state buffers but cannot license dispensaries themselves or authorize recreational sales. Dispensaries must use state-tracked seed-to-sale inventory, employ registered agents, and verify patient registration cards before each sale.
Violations & Penalties
Operating an unlicensed dispensary is a class B felony. License violations may result in revocation, fines, and criminal prosecution under controlled substances laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can North Dakota cities license additional cannabis dispensaries?
What is the school buffer for North Dakota dispensaries?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.