Cost & Benefits

Why a medical card pays for itself.

Buying recreational cannabis in Minnesota costs more than you think — and crossing the border without a card puts you at serious legal risk. Here's the full picture.

Not having a card in North Dakota isn't just
expensive — it's illegal.

🚫

Bringing cannabis across state lines

Even if you legally purchased cannabis in Minnesota, transporting it into North Dakota is a federal offense. Interstate transport of a controlled substance carries serious criminal penalties regardless of the amount.

Federal Offense
⚠️

Possession without a registry card

Under North Dakota Century Code § 19-03.1-23, possessing cannabis without a valid medical card carries real consequences:

  • Less than ½ oz — Criminal infraction, up to $1,000 fine
  • ½ oz to 500g — Class B misdemeanor, up to 30 days jail and a $1,500 fine
  • Over 500g — Class A misdemeanor, up to 360 days jail and a $3,000 fine
  • Any ingestion without a card — Class B misdemeanor

A medical card isn't just about access. It's legal protection.

View N.D. Cent. Code § 19-03.1-23 → Criminal Charge

What you're actually paying
in Minnesota.

Minnesota (Recreational)
Waabigwan Mashkiki — Moorhead, MN
Eighth (3.5g)
Pre-tax$50.00
MN Tax (22%)+$11.00
Item total$61.00
Quarter (7g)
Pre-tax$90.00
MN Tax (22%)+$19.80
Item total$109.80
Combined Total
You pay$170.80
✓ With ND Medical Card
North Dakota (Medical Card)
Tax included — no surprises
Eighth (3.5g)
All-in price$52.00
Includes ~$3.40 tax (7%)
~$48.60 before tax
Quarter (7g)
All-in price$90.00
Includes ~$5.89 tax (7%)
~$84.11 before tax
Combined Total
You pay$142.00
That's $28.80 back in your pocket — on one trip.

MN pricing based on Waabigwan Mashkiki (Moorhead, MN) before Minnesota's 22% recreational tax (15% cannabis excise + 6.875% state sales tax). ND dispensaries include sales tax (~7%) in their advertised price — no surprises at the register.

Category
Minnesota Recreationalbefore tax
✓ North Dakotatax included
You Save
Eighth (3.5g)
$61.00incl. 22% tax
$52.00
$9.00
Quarter (7g)
$109.80incl. 22% tax
$90.00
$19.80
Card Cost
Not applicable
$40 / 2 years = $1.67/mo

*Qualifying patients include veterans, seniors, and Medicare/Medicaid recipients. Sale pricing reflects 30–40% off promotions offered regularly at North Dakota dispensaries.

Your medical card costs $40 for two years. That's $1.67 per month. At standard pricing, it pays for itself in just 4 visits.

See exactly what you'd save.

Adjust the options below to match your situation.

Select the pricing that applies to you
You pay in MN
$62.00
You pay in ND
$52.00
Monthly savings
$20.00
Annual savings
$240.00
💡 Your card pays for itself after 5 visits

What your card actually gives you.

🛡️

Full legal protection in North Dakota

Your registry card is your legal authorization to purchase and possess cannabis in North Dakota. No card means no protection.

🔬

State-regulated, lab-tested product

Every product sold at a licensed North Dakota dispensary is tested for potency, pesticides, and contaminants. You know exactly what you're getting.

🚗

No border runs, no risk

Skip the drive to Minnesota, the risk of being stopped crossing back, and the legal exposure that comes with it. Your dispensary is right here.

💬

Expert guidance at the dispensary

Licensed dispensary staff are trained to help you find the right product for your condition and preferred experience. That's not something you get at a recreational counter.

📱

Telehealth certified from home

As of August 1, 2025, initial certification visits can now be done via telehealth. No in-person visit required to get your card — a licensed provider can certify your condition from anywhere in the state.

Ready to make it
official?

Getting certified is simpler than most people expect. Start by checking your qualifying condition — it takes about five minutes.

Check Qualifying Conditions → Find a Provider Free resource. No sign-up required.