The Conversation Guide

How to talk to your
doctor about medical cannabis.

Most people overthink this conversation — or go in the wrong direction entirely. Here's what you actually need to know before the appointment.

①

Your doctor isn't prescribing anything.

This is the most important thing to understand going in. Your provider cannot prescribe medical cannabis — it's a controlled substance under federal law and prescriptions aren't how this works. What they're doing is certifying that you have a qualifying condition. That's it. They're confirming something they already know about your health. The certification is submitted electronically through the state portal, and all they need to do it is their email address on file.

What's Actually Required

All they need to do
is two things.

No special training. No additional certification. No new hoops to jump through on their end.

📧

Their email address

When you submit your application through the ND state portal, you'll enter your provider's name and email. The state then contacts them directly to complete the written certification — your provider just clicks through and confirms your condition online. That's the full extent of their involvement.

✅

Their agreement to certify

Your provider needs to be willing to sign off. They're not endorsing a product, recommending a dose, or taking on any special liability beyond what they already carry as your care provider. They're simply confirming a diagnosis they've already made.

🎓

No extra training required

North Dakota does not require healthcare providers to complete any special certification or additional training to participate in the medical marijuana program. Any licensed ND physician, PA, or APRN can certify — it's within the scope of their existing license.

🤝

An established relationship

State guidelines require a bona fide provider-patient relationship. This means your provider should already know your condition and medical history — which is exactly why your existing primary care provider is usually the easiest starting point.

How to Approach It

Cooperation goes
a long way.

Patients who come in collaborative and informed have a much better experience than those who come in demanding.

✓ Do This
  • Come in informed — know your qualifying condition by name
  • Bring relevant medical records or a prior diagnosis if you have them
  • Explain what you've already tried for your condition
  • Ask what information they'd need to feel comfortable certifying
  • Listen — let them ask questions and take their concerns seriously
  • Be patient. This may take more than one visit
✕ Avoid This
  • Demanding or insisting your doctor "give you your card"
  • Framing it as a prescription — use the word "certify"
  • Downplaying your symptoms or condition to seem casual
  • Pressuring or arguing if they express hesitation
  • Treating it like a formality they should just rubber-stamp
Keep in Mind
  • Providers can decline — it is entirely at their discretion
  • A "not yet" isn't always a "no" — follow up if they want more information
  • If your provider isn't comfortable, you can seek a second opinion
  • Specialists like Alternative Health GF exist specifically for this
  • Your relationship with your provider matters — approach this like any other medical conversation
What to Say

A few ways to
start the conversation.

You don't need a script — but these talking points can help you feel prepared walking in.

Opening the topic

"I've been researching the North Dakota medical marijuana program and I think my [condition] might qualify. I wanted to talk through whether that might be a good fit for my situation."

Clarifying what you're asking for

"I understand you'd just be certifying my condition through the state portal — not prescribing anything. All I'd need is for you to complete the state's online certification using your email address."

If they seem hesitant

"I completely understand if you have questions or concerns. Is there any additional information I could bring to a follow-up visit that would help you feel more comfortable with this?"

Describing your situation

"I've been managing [condition] for [timeframe]. I've tried [other treatments] and I'm looking for additional options. I wanted to explore this as part of a broader approach to managing my health."

Common Questions

Things patients
actually wonder about.

The conversation with your provider may be documented as part of your visit notes, as it would be with any medical discussion. The state patient registry is separate and confidential — your card status is not shared with employers, insurers, or other providers unless you authorize it. If you have specific concerns about documentation, ask your provider directly.
No. Certifying a patient for North Dakota's medical marijuana program is explicitly authorized under state law for licensed physicians, PAs, and APRNs. Participating in the program is a legal, protected activity under ND state law. Some providers may personally be uncomfortable with it — and that's their right — but there's no licensing risk for participating in the program as intended.
Yes — be straightforward about what you're asking for. Trying to be vague or indirect can create confusion and erode trust with your provider. You're asking them to certify a qualifying condition for the state's medical marijuana program. That's a reasonable, legal request. Be honest about your condition, what you've tried, and why you're exploring this option.
Providers can decline — it's entirely at their discretion. If your provider isn't comfortable certifying, ask if there's additional information that would change their decision. Sometimes a follow-up visit with more documentation makes a difference. If they're firmly opposed, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another provider — even within the same practice or health system, such as another physician at your local hospital or family medicine center. Specialists like Alternative Health GF in Grand Forks and TimeWise Medical in Fargo and Bismarck also work with patients specifically for this purpose.
It helps to come prepared. Bring any documentation related to your qualifying condition — prior diagnoses, a list of treatments you've tried, specialist notes if you have them. Know the name of your qualifying condition as it appears in ND state law (the list is on our Qualifying Conditions page). The more context you can give your provider, the more informed their decision will be. Note: As of August 1, 2025, telehealth is permitted for initial certification visits, so you may not need to visit in person at all.
No special knowledge or training is required. North Dakota does not mandate additional education for providers participating in the program. Your provider's job is to confirm that you have a qualifying condition — not to advise you on dosing, strains, or products. That guidance happens at the dispensary, where staff are trained specifically for that purpose.

Ready to find a
certifying provider?

If your primary care provider isn't the right fit, we've put together a list of known certifying providers in North Dakota — including a local Grand Forks option.

View Provider Directory → Check Qualifying Conditions Free resource. No sign-up required.