North Dakota Senate Bill SB2293

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 1/30/25
• Engrossed: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/18/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Enrolled: 3/26/25
• Passed: 3/31/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsections 7 and 18 of section 19-24.1-01, and subdivision c of subsection 2 of section 19-24.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to medical marijuana container sizes, caregivers, and documentation.

Summary

SB 2293 makes targeted changes to North Dakota’s medical marijuana law. It amends the definition of “cannabinoid concentrate” to specify that a dispensing container for a concentrate or extract may not exceed one gram. It also updates the definition of “designated caregiver” to clarify that the caregiver must be at least 21 years old and agree to manage the well-being of a registered qualifying patient in connection with the patient’s medical use of marijuana. The bill further revises the application requirements for a qualifying patient registry identification card. Applicants must provide identifying information, proposed caregiver information if applicable, and a photographic copy of North Dakota identification, with an alternative department-approved document allowed if a current ID cannot be obtained because of the applicant’s medical condition. For minors, a certified birth record or photographic copy of a North Dakota ID is required, and the application must include the appropriate signature and a firearm-related federal law disclosure.

Impact

SB 2293 affects Chapter 19-24.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, which governs the state’s medical marijuana program. The bill narrows and clarifies product packaging limits for cannabinoid concentrates, sets a minimum age for caregivers, and adjusts documentation standards for patient registry applications, including accommodations for applicants with medical conditions and specific requirements for minors. These changes primarily affect medical marijuana patients, caregivers, dispensaries, and the Department of Health or other administering agency responsible for registry cards and compliance.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have received generally favorable support, passing the Senate 41-3 and the House 62-22. The vote margins suggest broad bipartisan acceptance of the measure’s regulatory clarifications, though the House vote shows more opposition than the Senate. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record indicates support in both chambers without detailed public debate in the supplied materials.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are the tighter control on cannabinoid concentrate container size, the age requirement for designated caregivers, and the documentation rules for registry applications. Those who favor stricter regulation and clearer administrative standards are likely to support these provisions, while opponents may view them as adding burdens for patients, caregivers, or dispensaries. The firearm disclosure requirement may also be sensitive for some medical marijuana patients because it highlights the federal-law conflict between marijuana possession and firearm ownership.