Does ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) qualify in North Dakota?
Yes. The North Dakota Medical Marijuana Program lists Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as a qualifying condition. A North Dakota-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
A progressive disease that destroys the nerve cells controlling muscles, causing weakness, cramps and trouble swallowing.
Not enough research. Research is limited to small studies. Patients mainly use cannabis for cramps, spasticity, appetite, drooling and sleep.
Symptoms North Dakota patients most often hope to ease:
- Painful muscle cramps and twitching
- Stiffness and spasticity in the arms and legs
- Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Excess saliva and drooling
Before you start. Sedating effects can add to breathing weakness, so tell your doctor about any breathing problems, sleep apnea or use of a breathing machine. Smoking or vaping can irritate the airways and is generally avoided when lung function is reduced.
Read more: medical marijuana for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
How to get certified in North Dakota
- Make sure you have a qualifying condition and an ongoing treatment relationship with a North Dakota physician, PA or APRN.
- Create an account on the Medical Marijuana Registration Portal (mmregistration.health.nd.gov) and verify your email.
- Fill out the patient application with your North Dakota address, a photo for your card and a copy of your North Dakota ID.
- Enter your provider's name and email address correctly; the provider completes the written certification online.
- Name up to five caregivers if needed, then sign the attestation and pay the $40 fee online or by mail.
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing, then buy from a registered North Dakota dispensary.
North Dakota requires your first certification visit in person. Renewals can usually be done online.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $40 (No fee for hospice patients; fee may be waived for minors whose parent/guardian is their caregiver and lives with them)
- Card lasts: 2 years
- Processing: 2-4 weeks after a complete application, payment and provider certification
- Patient limit: 3 oz of dried flower (7.5 oz with an enhanced amount) and 500 mg of THC in edibles at any time
- Home grow: Not allowed
- Recreational sales: Not legal
- First visit online: No — in person first
See the full North Dakota cost breakdown and North Dakota program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in North Dakota
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anorexia & appetite loss
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic pain
- Cirrhosis
- Crohn's & IBD
- Degenerative disc disease
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Endometriosis
See every qualifying condition in North Dakota
ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in nearby states
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Minnesota
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in South Dakota
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Montana
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)?
Helpful records include: a diagnosis letter or clinic notes from your neurologist or ALS clinic confirming ALS; a current list of all your medicines, including riluzole, edaravone, muscle relaxants and sleep aids; recent notes on breathing tests and swallowing assessments, if you have them. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your North Dakota provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in North Dakota?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. 2-4 weeks after a complete application, payment and provider certification.
Can I renew online in North Dakota?
In most cases, yes. Patients and caregivers can renew through the online portal up to 45 days before the card expires. Renewal requires a new written certification from the provider.
Sources
- Medical Marijuana - ND Department of Health and Human Services
- Adult Patient Application Instructions (3/2026, ND HHS PDF)
- Patient Application FAQs (8/2025, ND HHS PDF)
- NDCC Chapter 19-24.1 Medical Marijuana (ND Legislative Branch PDF)
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.