Does cirrhosis qualify for a medical card in North Dakota?
Yes. The North Dakota Medical Marijuana Program lists Decompensated cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C as a qualifying condition. A North Dakota-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cirrhosis
Severe scarring of the liver that can cause pain, itching, nausea and appetite loss.
Not enough research. Cannabis can affect the liver's handling of other medicines, so doctors are cautious here.
Symptoms North Dakota patients most often hope to ease:
- Painful muscle cramps, often at night
- Persistent itching
- Abdominal discomfort from fluid buildup
- Nausea and poor appetite
- Trouble sleeping
Before you start. Cannabis can cause drowsiness and confusion that may mimic or worsen hepatic encephalopathy, the confusion caused by liver failure. A damaged liver processes many medicines more slowly, so cannabis and other drugs may build up and cause stronger effects.
Read more: medical marijuana for cirrhosis.
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
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anorexia & appetite loss
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Degenerative disc disease
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Endometriosis
See every qualifying condition in North Dakota
Cirrhosis in nearby states
- Cirrhosis in Minnesota
- Cirrhosis in South Dakota
- Cirrhosis in Montana
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cirrhosis?
Helpful records include: notes from your hepatologist or gastroenterologist confirming cirrhosis and describing complications; recent liver blood tests and imaging or biopsy results; a complete medicine list, including diuretics, lactulose, rifaximin and any sleep or pain medicines. 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.