Conditions · North Dakota

Does migraines qualify for a medical card in North Dakota?

Yes. The North Dakota Medical Marijuana Program lists Migraine as a qualifying condition. A North Dakota-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.

About migraines

Migraine is a neurological condition that causes intense headaches, often with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Chronic migraine means 15 or more headache days a month.

Limited evidence. Research is mostly observational. Survey studies report fewer and shorter migraines among patients who use cannabis, but there aren't yet large controlled trials.

Symptoms North Dakota patients most often hope to ease:

  • Throbbing headache pain during attacks
  • Nausea and vomiting with attacks
  • Frequent attacks that disrupt work and family life
  • Trouble sleeping before or after an attack
  • Neck and shoulder tension that comes with attacks
Before you start. Frequent use of cannabis, like other headache treatments, may contribute to medication-overuse or rebound headaches. Stopping regular cannabis use can cause withdrawal headaches, which can be mistaken for migraine.

Read more: medical marijuana for migraines.

How to get certified in North Dakota

  1. Make sure you have a qualifying condition and an ongoing treatment relationship with a North Dakota physician, PA or APRN.
  2. Create an account on the Medical Marijuana Registration Portal (mmregistration.health.nd.gov) and verify your email.
  3. Fill out the patient application with your North Dakota address, a photo for your card and a copy of your North Dakota ID.
  4. Enter your provider's name and email address correctly; the provider completes the written certification online.
  5. Name up to five caregivers if needed, then sign the attestation and pay the $40 fee online or by mail.
  6. 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

See every qualifying condition in North Dakota

Migraines in nearby states

Frequently asked questions

Do I need medical records for migraines?

Helpful records include: notes from your doctor or neurologist confirming a migraine diagnosis; a list of acute and preventive migraine medicines you have tried and how well they worked; a headache diary showing how many migraine days you have each month. 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

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.

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