BISMARCK, N.D. (NDDoH) – Beginning July 10, 2018, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Medical Marijuana Program will accept applications for entities interested in obtaining a registration certificate to operate a dispensary in the Bismarck and Fargo regions.

In September, the NDDoH will have an open application period for the Grand Forks and Williston dispensary regions, resulting in four out of eight dispensaries selected in 2018. The open application period for the remaining four dispensaries is anticipated to happen in January 2019, with the intent of having all eight operational by June 30, 2019. A map of the eight dispensary regions can be found at www.ndhealth.gov/MM/.

A dispensary registered with the NDDoH will be authorized to sell products to registered qualifying patients and designated caregivers. A draft dispensary application has been on the division’s website since late April to provide potential applicants with a look at draft requirements. The draft application will remain on the division’s website through July 5, 2018. The final application will be posted on July 10 when the application opens.

“Based on information received from the two entities moving forward with the registration process to become manufacturing facilities, as well as a review of other data and state practices, we concluded a phased-in approach to adding dispensaries is the best option,” stated Jason Wahl, director of the Division of Medical Marijuana.

Access to products will be available to all qualifying patients throughout the state once the first dispensary is operational. Patients unable to travel to a dispensary can have a registered designated caregiver make purchases on their behalf. In addition, dispensaries are authorized under the administrative rules to directly deliver products to registered qualifying patients and designated caregivers.

“Throughout our state’s implementation process, we have reviewed and monitored information from other state medical marijuana programs to identify best practices and implementation strategies,” stated Wahl. “For example, in Minnesota, they started with two dispensaries and had an additional dispensary open three weeks later. The remaining five dispensaries opened over the subsequent 11 months.”

Wahl also noted the NDDoH is expected to open online applications for qualifying patients and designated caregivers near the end of October.

For more information, visit the website at www.ndhealth.gov/mm or contact the Division of Medical Marijuana at 701.328.1311.