North Dakota Cannabis Guide: Dispensaries, Delivery & Deals
North Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2016 when voters approved Initiated Measure 5, the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act. The program launched in 2019 and remains one of the most restrictive...
THC City Guides • North Dakota (ND)
North Dakota THC Delivery, Weed Deals & Cannabis Guides
These pages are designed to stay useful: local routing, decision-first sections, and content that matches how people actually search.
Overview
North Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2016 when voters approved Initiated Measure 5, the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act. The program launched in 2019 and remains one of the most restrictive in the nation.
As of January 2026, North Dakota has approximately 10,500 active patient cardholders served by only 8 licensed dispensaries (called "compassion centers") spread across the entire state. The program is supplied by just 2 manufacturing facilities, making it one of the smallest legal cannabis markets in America.
Recreational cannabis remains illegal. Voters have rejected adult-use legalization three times: 2018 (59% no), 2022 (55% no), and most recently November 2024 (52.5% no). The margin has narrowed each time, but the state remains solidly opposed.
Small amounts of marijuana have been decriminalized since 2019: possession of less than 0.5 ounces is a civil infraction with a maximum $1,000 fine and no jail time. However, consumption of any amount remains a misdemeanor.
In August 2025, the program expanded to allow low-dose THC edibles (lozenges only, 5mg per serving maximum, 50mg per package). This was a significant change for patients seeking alternatives to inhalation.
Patients can possess up to 3 ounces of flower monthly (6 ounces for cancer patients) and up to 4,000mg THC in other products. No home cultivation is permitted—this provision was removed by the legislature after voters approved it in 2016.
North Dakota is now surrounded by states with recreational cannabis: Montana and Minnesota share borders, making the contrast stark. Many North Dakota residents travel to Minnesota for recreational purchases.
Legal Snapshot
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Medical Status | Legal (since 2016, sales began 2019) |
| Recreational Status | Illegal (rejected 2018, 2022, 2024) |
| Decriminalized | Yes (under 0.5 oz = $1,000 fine max) |
| Active Patients | ~10,500 (as of December 2025) |
| Total Dispensaries | 8 statewide |
| Manufacturing Facilities | 2 statewide |
| Possession Limit | 3 oz flower/month (6 oz cancer patients) |
| THC Product Limit | 4,000mg THC per 30 days |
| Home Cultivation | Prohibited |
| Public Consumption | Illegal (misdemeanor) |
Buying Across State Lines
North Dakota is surrounded by recreational and medical cannabis states:
MINNESOTA (East): Recreational cannabis legal since August 2023. Many North Dakotans travel to Minnesota border towns for legal recreational purchases.
MONTANA (West): Recreational cannabis legal since January 2022.
SOUTH DAKOTA (South): Medical only. Recreational failed in 2024 (like ND).
CANADA (North): Cannabis legal nationally. Border crossing with cannabis is a federal crime.
CRITICAL WARNING: Transporting cannabis across state lines is a FEDERAL CRIME regardless of legal status in either state. This includes:
- Driving from Minnesota with recreational cannabis
- Bringing Montana cannabis into North Dakota
- Crossing the Canadian border with any cannabis
North Dakota law enforcement actively patrols border areas. Possession without a valid ND medical card can result in criminal charges.
What People Actually Pay
North Dakota medical marijuana pricing (January 2026):
Note: Prices are higher than neighboring states due to limited competition (only 2 manufacturers, 8 dispensaries).
Flower: $40-60 per eighth, $280-400 per ounce
Vapes: $50-80 per cartridge
Edibles: $25-50 per package (lozenges only)
Concentrates: $60-90 per gram
Tinctures: $50-80
Topicals: $40-70
Medical card costs:
- State registration fee: $40 (2-year card, effective August 2025)
- Previously $25 for 1-year card
- Non-resident cards: $40 (valid 60 days only)
- Doctor consultation: $150-250
Designated caregivers: No fee
Many patients find it more economical to travel to Minnesota or Montana for recreational purchases, though this is technically illegal.
How Access & Delivery Work
Cannabis delivery is NOT available in North Dakota. All purchases must be made in-person at one of the state's 8 licensed dispensaries (compassion centers).
Given the state's size (70,000+ square miles) and only 8 dispensaries, some patients must travel significant distances—sometimes hours—to reach a legal dispensary. This has been a persistent criticism of the program.
The 8 dispensaries are located in: Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake, Dickinson, and Jamestown. There are no dispensaries in the western oil patch region beyond Williston and Dickinson.
Product Guides
Dried flower (leaves and flowers) available for patients with specific combustion authorization from their healthcare provider. Quality is limited due to only 2 manufacturing facilities producing all products. Prices tend to be higher than neighboring states due to limited competition.
Vape cartridges and concentrates available. Concentrate containers limited to 1 gram maximum (as of August 2025). Inhalation products remain popular for patients seeking faster relief.
NEW as of August 2025: Low-dose THC lozenges now available. Strict limitations apply:
- Hard or soft lozenges only (square shape required)
- Maximum 5mg THC per serving
- Maximum 50mg THC per package
- No other food/beverage products permitted
This is a significant expansion for patients who prefer not to inhale.
Cannabis concentrates available. New 1-gram container size limit (August 2025). Total THC limits apply to monthly allowances.
Cannabis tinctures and oils available for sublingual dosing. Popular option for precise dosing and discretion.
Cannabis-infused topicals available including lotions and balms. Capsules also available for patients.
Recommended Brands
North Dakota's cannabis market is supplied by only 2 licensed manufacturing facilities:
Pure Dakota (Pure Dakota Health dispensaries): One of the two manufacturers, also operates dispensaries in Bismarck, Fargo, and Williston.
Other manufacturers supply the remaining dispensaries.
Major Dispensary Operators:
- Pure Dakota Health: Bismarck, Fargo, Williston
- Ignite Dispensary: Bismarck
- Strive Life: Grand Forks
- Curaleaf ND: Minot
- Harvest HOC: Williston
- Sunstone Cannabis Market: Bismarck
Due to the limited market, product selection and brand variety are significantly less than neighboring states.
Current Trends (2026)
North Dakota cannabis trends (January 2026):
Third Recreational Failure: November 2024 saw Measure 5 fail 52.5% to 47.5%—the closest vote yet. The margin has narrowed from 59% opposed (2018) to 55% (2022) to 52.5% (2024). Legalization advocates believe eventual passage is likely but timing remains uncertain.
August 2025 Expansion: New laws took effect allowing low-dose edibles (lozenges only), telemedicine for initial consultations, and 2-year cards (previously 1 year). The 2025 legislative session was the most positive for the program yet.
Surrounding Legalization: Montana (2022) and Minnesota (2023) legalized recreational cannabis, leaving North Dakota increasingly isolated. Many residents cross borders for recreational purchases.
Patient Growth: Active cardholders have grown steadily to ~10,500, suggesting demand despite the program's limitations.
Limited Supply Concerns: With only 2 manufacturers and 8 dispensaries for the entire state, patients in rural areas face significant access challenges. Product variety is limited compared to other states.
Price Competition: Lack of competition keeps prices high. Neighboring states offer better selection and prices, creating pressure for reform.
No New Licenses: State law caps dispensaries at 8 and manufacturers at 2. No expansion is currently planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recreational marijuana legal in North Dakota?
No. Voters rejected legalization in 2018, 2022, and most recently November 2024 (52.5% opposed).
How many dispensaries are in North Dakota?
Only 8 licensed dispensaries statewide, located in Bismarck (3), Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston (2), Devils Lake, Dickinson, and Jamestown.
Is marijuana decriminalized in North Dakota?
Partially. Possession under 0.5 oz is a civil infraction ($1,000 max fine), but consumption of any amount is still a misdemeanor.
Can I get edibles in North Dakota?
Yes, as of August 2025. Only lozenges are permitted (5mg per serving max, 50mg per package max).
How much does a medical card cost?
$40 for a 2-year card (effective August 2025). Doctor consultation fees are separate ($150-250).
Can I grow cannabis at home in North Dakota?
No. Home cultivation is prohibited for all patients. The legislature removed this provision after voters approved it in 2016.
How much cannabis can I possess?
Medical patients: 3 oz flower per month (6 oz for cancer patients), plus up to 4,000mg THC in other products.
Is cannabis delivery available?
No. All purchases must be made in-person at licensed dispensaries.
Does North Dakota accept out-of-state medical cards?
North Dakota issues non-resident cards ($40, valid 60 days) but does not automatically accept other states' cards.
Can I use telemedicine to get my card?
Yes, as of August 2025. Telemedicine is now allowed for initial consultations.
Why are there so few dispensaries?
State law caps dispensaries at 8 and manufacturers at 2. No expansion is currently authorized.
Can I buy recreational cannabis in Minnesota and bring it back?
No. Transporting cannabis across state lines is a federal crime regardless of legal status in either state.
What happens if I'm caught with cannabis without a card?
Under 0.5 oz: $1,000 max fine (infraction). Over 0.5 oz: misdemeanor with possible jail time.
Will recreational cannabis ever pass in North Dakota?
The margin has narrowed each vote (59% to 55% to 52.5% opposed). Future attempts are likely.
Can I consume cannabis in my car?
No. Consuming in a vehicle is illegal and can result in DUI charges.
Safety Note
Purchase only from the 8 licensed North Dakota dispensaries. All products are tested and tracked through the state system.
Present your valid medical marijuana ID card and government ID at every purchase.
Do not consume in public—even with a medical card, public consumption is prohibited and can result in criminal charges.
Keep cannabis in original packaging when transporting.
Do not drive impaired. North Dakota has strict DUI laws that apply to cannabis.
Do not transport cannabis across state lines. Even though Montana and Minnesota have legal cannabis, bringing it into North Dakota (or taking ND cannabis elsewhere) is a federal crime.
Store cannabis away from minors and in secure location.
Federal restrictions apply: Medical marijuana patients may face issues with federal employment, firearms purchases, security clearances, and immigration.
Veterans: VA facilities are on federal land—do not bring cannabis onto VA property.
Search by product
Shop by Product Category
Start with product type in North Dakota. This layer supports real buyer intent and gives you clean paths into deeper pages.
Product Guides
Shop by Product Category
Explore product guides, pricing signals, and what to look for before you buy.
Want More Local Traffic For Your THC Business?
Get listed on this page and any page in the THC City Guides network. Lock in a prime slot before your competitors do.
Some of our Friends! Looking to purchase THC Products?
These guides are built to host premium category placements for trusted brands. If you run a THC business and want visibility on this page, see the options below.
Cali Greens is a premium brand placement built for shoppers who want trusted options and consistent weed deals across California.
Lucky Farms serves California with reliable cannabis delivery and curated menus. This placement connects local shoppers directly to their brand.
We reserve a handful of premium placements on each guide for brands we trust. If you run a THC delivery service, dispensary, or product line and want visibility in this market, reach out and we’ll send over placement options.
Brands
Featured brands across the network
Promotions and placements, not endorsements.
Some listings may be promotional. Always shop responsibly and follow local rules.
Delivery services
Delivery services
Delivery listings live inside each state pack so they stay local and accurate.
This directory is being built out. If you want to be featured here, request placement below.
Dispensary storefronts
Dispensary storefronts
Storefront directories are built state-by-state for relevance.
This directory is being built out. If you want to be featured here, request placement below.
City hubs
Browse North Dakota city hubs
City hubs are comparison layers. Neighborhood pages are decision layers.
Find Your City
15 cities covered in North Dakota — type to filter instantly
💡 Can't find your city? We're adding new locations weekly. Request a city
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
