Most Recent
North Dakota Cannabis Laws 2026: The Modern Era
2026
Medical Access
2026 (Current Status)
2026 (Current Status): North Dakota remains a medical-only state. Recreational cannabis is illegal, following multiple unsuccessful ballot attempts to legalize adult-use.
2026
Timeline
Failed Recreational Ballot Measures (2018–2022)
North Dakota voters have considered recreational legalization more than once, but have not approved it.
2018
Milestone
2018 (November)
2018 (November): Measure 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana, fails at the ballot box.
2018
2022
Milestone
2022 (November)
2022 (November): A second recreational legalization measure is rejected by voters.
2022
Origins
Medical Marijuana Legalization: Measure 5 (2016)
North Dakota's medical program began with a successful citizen ballot initiative.
2016
Medical Access
2016 (November)
2016 (November): Voters approve Measure 5, legalizing medical marijuana for patients with qualifying debilitating conditions.
2016
2019
Policy Timeline
2019
2019: The state's first licensed dispensaries open to registered patients.
2019
North Dakota Cannabis Quick Facts for 2026
Current Status
North Dakota remains a medical-onl
from supplied 2026 update
Possession
North Dakota remains a medical-onl
current state limit
Home Grow
North Dakota's medical marijuana l
Is home grow legal in North Dakota?
Retail Market
2026
covered in timeline
Federal Impact
Schedule III
2026 rescheduling update
2026 Watch
2026
latest state update