North Dakota Medical Cannabis Packaging Laws: A Complete Guide
North Dakota medical cannabis packaging laws are among the strictest in the United States. The North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services (NDHHS) oversees the program, which began after voters approved Measure 5 in 2016 and officially launched in 2019. Since then, lawmakers have updated rules covering cultivation, sales, and the packaging and labeling of medical cannabis.
Starting in August 2025, new rules will take effect, including the approval of certain edible products. For patients, caregivers, and licensed businesses, understanding these packaging laws is essential for staying compliant and ensuring safety, clear information, and public trust.
Core Packaging Requirements
Under North Dakota Administrative Code § 33-44-01-25, usable marijuana must meet specific packaging standards:
- Plain design – Packaging cannot include bright colors, flashy graphics, or images that appeal to children.
- Tamper-evident – The package must show clear signs if it has been opened.
- Child-resistant – Containers must meet federal child-resistance standards and be verified through independent testing.
- Durable materials – Packaging must be strong enough to protect the product during transport and storage.
- Symbol requirement – A recognized child-resistant symbol must be visible on the package.
Labeling Essentials
For Dried Flower
All dried cannabis flower sold in North Dakota must include the following on its label:
- Manufacturer’s name and registry number
- Container ID and harvest lot number
- Harvest date and strain name
- Net weight in both U.S. and metric units
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations
- Activation time (written or shown with a pictogram)
- Expiration date
- The state’s universal cannabis symbol
- Required consumer warnings
For Concentrates, Tinctures, and Other Medical Products
Labels for these products must list:
- Product identity and process lot number
- Manufacturing date
- Serving size and number of servings per container
- THC and CBD concentration per serving and total amount
- Full ingredient list
- Activation time and expiration date
- Universal cannabis symbol and pediatric warning symbol (if required)
- Standard consumer warnings
Font & Format Rules
- Use a minimum of 8-point font in Arial or Calibri.
- If there are spatial limits, labels may use peel-back or accordion formats, or reduce the font to 6-point.
Mandatory Warnings
All cannabis products in North Dakota must include clear, standardized warnings:
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- For adult use only
- May cause impairment; do not drive or operate machinery
- This product may be addictive
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Labels must also inform consumers about possible delayed intoxicating effects and potential health risks.
Third-Party Testing and Quality Verification
Before any medical cannabis product reaches patients, it must be tested by an NDHHS-approved independent laboratory. Testing covers:
- Potency
- Pesticide residues
- Heavy metals
- Microbial contaminants
Many producers also add QR codes that link to Certificates of Analysis (CoAs). This gives patients access to detailed product information without overcrowding the label.
Edibles: New Rules Starting August 1, 2025
Starting August 1, 2025, North Dakota will allow certain edible medical cannabis products, specifically square-shaped lozenges, either hard or soft. These products will be:
- Limited to 5mg of THC per serving
- Capped at 50mg of THC per package
Edible packaging must follow the same child-resistant, tamper-evident, and plain design standards as other cannabis products. Extra care must be taken to ensure the packaging does not appeal to minors.
Branding and Advertising Restrictions
Cannabis packaging in North Dakota must follow strict branding rules. It cannot:
- Use marijuana imagery or slang terms
- Display medical symbols that resemble those of recognized organizations
- Feature cartoon characters or designs that appeal to children
All marketing materials, including product labels, must receive approval from the NDHHS before use.
Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to follow North Dakota’s packaging and labeling rules can result in:
- Product recalls
- Monetary fines
- License suspension or revocation
State inspectors perform regular compliance checks, and any violations are treated seriously.
Final Word
North Dakota medical cannabis packaging laws focus on three main principles: safety, transparency, and preventing misuse. For patients, the rules provide confidence in the products they use. For license holders, compliance is essential to remain operational in this tightly regulated market.
Do you own a cannabis business in North Dakota, but require state-compliant packaging? Custom 420 Supply is here to help! We invite you to reach out through our contact page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. North Dakota law requires labels to use a minimum 8-point font (Arial or Calibri) for all mandatory information. If label space is limited, the font may be reduced to 6-point using peel-back or accordion-style labels. Activation time and dosage must be clearly displayed, either in words or using a standardized pictogram.
Absolutely. Packaging must be plain and child-resistant. Logos and branding may not include marijuana imagery, slang, cartoon characters, or medical symbols resembling official associations. All labeling and marketing must be approved by the ND Department of Health & Human Services.
Compliance is enforced through routine inspections, label reviews, and lab testing verification. Violations can result in fines, product recalls, or license suspension/revocation. Third-party lab testing ensures product potency and safety, and QR codes linking to Certificates of Analysis (COAs) help maintain transparency.