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SB 2293

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.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Sean Cleary and 5 co-sponsors

ND medical marijuana: limits cannabinoid concentrate containers to 1 gram and raises designated caregiver age to 21, with stricter ID/documentation requirements.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/31
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Bill Summary · SB 2293

SB 2293 — North Dakota (2025) — Medical marijuana: container sizes, caregivers, and documentation

Status: Enacted (signed by Governor Mar 27, 2025; filed with Secretary of State Mar 31, 2025)
Introduced: Jan–Mar 2025
Primary sponsors (ND): Senators Roers, Cleary, Meyer; Representatives Dockter, M. Ruby, Vetter
Companion bill: HB 5025

Purpose / intent

To (1) set a firm maximum dispensing container size for cannabinoid concentrates, (2) clarify the minimum age and role of a “designated caregiver,” and (3) tighten and standardize identity and documentation requirements for applicants to the medical marijuana registry. The changes are aimed at patient safety, adult supervision for patients who need caregiver assistance, and improved verification to reduce diversion or fraud.

Key provisions (what the bill changes)

  • Definitions (Section 19-24.1-01):

    • Adds/clarifies “cannabinoid concentrate” as a concentrate or extract of cannabinoids produced by mechanical, chemical, or other processes.
    • Limits any container holding a cannabinoid concentrate for dispensing to a maximum of one gram.
    • Defines “designated caregiver” as an individual at least 21 years of age who agrees to manage the well‑being of a registered qualifying patient in connection with the patient’s medical use of marijuana.

  • Registry application and documentation (Section 19-24.1-03, subdivision c(1)–(5)):

    • Requires original qualifying patient applications to include:
    • Applicant’s name, address, and date of birth.
    • Proposed designated caregiver’s name, address, and date of birth (if any).
    • A photographic copy of the applicant’s North Dakota identification; the ND ID must be available for department inspection/verification on request. If a current ND ID cannot be obtained due to the applicant’s medical condition, the applicant may submit other department‑approved documentation. For minors, a certified birth record or photographic copy of the minor’s ND ID is required.
    • Applicant’s (or guardian’s) signature and date; for minors, a parent or legal guardian with health‑care decision authority must sign.
    • A disclosure that possessing a firearm while in possession of marijuana may violate federal law.

Who is affected

  • Registered qualifying patients (documentation and firearm disclosure).
  • Designated caregivers (must be 21 or older to serve as a designated caregiver).
  • Dispensaries, producers, and packaging/shipping operations (must limit cannabinoid concentrate dispensing containers to 1 gram).
  • Department administering the registry (must verify and retain documentation; apply department‑approved alternatives when needed).
  • Law enforcement and legal practitioners (clarifies disclosure and potential federal firearm issue).

Practical impacts and considerations

  • Packaging and dispensing: Dispensaries and producers may need to change packaging and inventory practices for concentrates to comply with the 1‑gram container limit; larger patient needs may require multiple containers or alternate product forms.
  • Caregiver availability: Raising the caregiver minimum age to 21 could reduce eligibility of 18–20‑year‑old caregivers (e.g., family members) and require patients to appoint older caregivers or rely on themselves.
  • Verification and access: Requiring ND ID or department‑approved documentation tightens identity verification (could improve fraud prevention) but may impose a documentation hurdle for patients without current ND IDs; the bill permits exceptions when medical condition prevents obtaining an ID.
  • Legal notice on firearms: Adds an express written disclosure informing applicants of possible conflict with federal firearms law; it does not change federal law but may affect patients’ awareness and behavior.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Passed both chambers (Senate vote 41–3; House vote 62–22).
  • Sent to Governor, signed March 27, 2025; filed with Secretary of State March 31, 2025. (No separate effective date provided in the text excerpt; check enacted statute or Secretary of State filings for the effective date.)

For further detail, consult the amended North Dakota Century Code sections 19‑24.1‑01 and 19‑24.1‑03 and the enrolled bill text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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