North Dakota Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: NDCC 19-24.1
Statewide cap: 8 dispensaries
School buffer: 1,000 feet minimum
Licensing agency: ND DHHS

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?

No. The state caps dispensaries at eight locations and reserves licensing exclusively to ND DHHS. Cities may impose stricter zoning but cannot expand the cap.

What is the school buffer for North Dakota dispensaries?

State law requires medical cannabis dispensaries to be located at least 1,000 feet from any school, and prohibits siting in residentially zoned districts.

North Dakota Medical Cannabis Dispensary Licensing Standards