The North Dakota Legislature has officially sent a bill to the governor that would legalize certain edible medical marijuana products.
North Dakota State Capitol Building.
House Bill 1203, introduced by Representative Jim Vetter (R) in January with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, received final passage in the House on April 15 with a 70 to 21 vote. The Senate had previously passed the measure on April 4 in a strong 42 to 3 vote. The bill was formally transmitted to the governor today for consideration.
The legislation would define and regulate cannabinoid edible products intended for medical use. Under the bill, only approved manufacturing facilities could produce edibles, and dispensaries would need approval from the Department of Health and Human Services before they could possess, market, or sell them.
Edibles would be limited to specific forms, such as geometric square-shaped food products (bars, chews, etc.) and lozenges, and could not be marketed in ways that appeal to minors. Packages must be child-resistant, resealable, and non-transparent, with each package capped at 50 milligrams of THC. Labels must use black Arial font and include the THC content per serving, manufacturer details, and a complete ingredient list.
The Department would be required to review and approve the form, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and marketing of all edible products before they are allowed on the market. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department adopt rules to enforce these standards.
If signed into law, HB 1203 would mark a significant step in expanding and clarifying North Dakota’s medical marijuana program.
