HB 1203 (2025) Low-Dose THC Lozenge Edibles

HB 1203 (2025) sponsored by Rep. Steve Vetter (R-Grand Forks) signed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong; effective August 1, 2025. Adds cannabinoid edible lozenges only in geometric square shape, 5 mg THC per serving / 50 mg total per package, manufactured exclusively in-state. Other edible categories (gummies, baked goods, beverages, chocolates) remain prohibited. 30-day patient cap of 310 mg THC across cannabinoid edibles. Telehealth for initial certifications included. Long-standing patient complaint resolved.

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects North Dakota cannabis law as of May 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDDHHS) Division of Medical Marijuana or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: May 2026

The Provisions

Lozenges only: hard or soft lozenges in geometric square shape.
5 mg THC per serving.
50 mg total per package.
Manufactured exclusively in-state by Pure Dakota or Grassroots Cannabis.
Opaque, child-resistant, resealable packaging required.
Mandatory THC/CBD content, batch number, license number, warnings.
30-day patient cap of 310 mg THC across cannabinoid edibles.
Telehealth for initial certifications permitted (previously only renewals).

What HB 1203 Did NOT Add

Gummies (most common medical-cannabis edible category nationally) — prohibited.
Baked goods (cookies, brownies) — prohibited.
Beverages — prohibited.
Chocolates — prohibited.
Higher-dose products (above 5 mg per serving / 50 mg per package) — prohibited.

Why Lozenges Specifically

The lozenge restriction reflects compromise: lozenges are less appealing to children than gummies; geometric square shape avoids "candy-resembling form" prohibition; in-state-manufacture restriction protects ND-licensed program; 5 mg per serving cap aligns with conservative microdose practice. The compromise enabled passage with bipartisan support including some Republican legislators who opposed broader edible categories.

The Sponsor — Rep. Steve Vetter (R-Grand Forks)

Rep. Vetter has been the principal Republican advocate for cannabis-program expansion in the ND House. HB 1203 was Vetter’s most successful cannabis-policy effort, signed by Gov. Armstrong and effective August 1, 2025. Vetter has indicated continued interest in patient-access expansion in future sessions.

Patient Reception

Patient response to HB 1203 has been mixed: appreciation for the long-overdue addition of any edible product, but disappointment at the lozenge-only restriction. Long-standing patient complaint about the original 2017 SB 2344 framework (capsules / tinctures / topicals / patches only, no flower, no edibles) was partially addressed by the 2021 HB 1417 flower addition and partially by the 2025 HB 1203 lozenge addition.

The 2025 Expansion Package

HB 1203 was part of the broader 2025 expansion package that also included SB 2293 (concentrate container limits + patient ID flexibility) and SB 2294 (two-year card validity, telehealth for initial certifications, fee adjustments). All three were signed by Gov. Armstrong as the program’s most consequential update since 2017 SB 2344. See SB 2293 + SB 2294 page.