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Minot is North Dakota's fourth-largest city (population ~48,000), located in north-central North Dakota. As of January 2026, Minot has one licensed dispensary: Curaleaf ND.

Minot Air Force Base is nearby, creating a unique dynamic—military personnel are prohibited from cannabis use under federal law, but civilian patients in the area have legal access.

The dispensary serves a large region including Rugby, Stanley, and surrounding rural communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.