HB 1430 - Medical Marijuana Summary

• Creates a comprehensive medical cannabis program allowing qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to legally possess and use cannabis with a registry identification card issued by the state Department of Health.

• Establishes four types of regulated medical cannabis establishments: cultivation facilities, dispensaries, product manufacturing facilities, and testing facilities, all subject to department registration and oversight.

• Protects cardholders, practitioners, and medical cannabis establishments from arrest, prosecution, and civil penalties for activities conducted in compliance with the chapter, including possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis or department-regulated quantities of cannabis products.

• Allows nonresident cardholders from other jurisdictions holding valid medical cannabis cards to possess up to 2 ounces and purchase from dispensaries in North Dakota.

• Penalizes illegal sales with class C felonies and establishes an advisory committee to evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations to the legislature; becomes effective June 30, 2016.