The House Appropriations - Human Resources Division meeting on January 13, 2025, focused on the state's medical marijuana program, highlighting its financial status and regulatory concerns.

The program, which operates under a continuing appropriation, has maintained steady sales of approximately $22 million annually from 2020 to 2025. While dried leaves and flowers remain the primary products sold, there is a noticeable shift towards capsules and other forms. Currently, the number of qualified patients in the program has stabilized at around 10,000, reaching what officials describe as a saturation point.

A significant topic of discussion was the recent decrease in revenue, attributed to a reduction in fees that was implemented following discussions with legislators. The goal is to maintain an ending fund balance close to $1 million, with projections indicating a balance of approximately $1.46 million by the end of the biennium.

Concerns were raised by Representative Murphy regarding the safety of the increased daily THC limit of 200 milligrams, which is significantly higher than FDA recommendations. He questioned the potential liability for the state should adverse health effects arise from this high dosage. In response, the committee acknowledged the need for further examination of the safety of such levels but confirmed that there are currently no plans to fund clinical studies to assess the implications of this dosage.

The meeting underscored the ongoing evolution of the medical marijuana program in North Dakota, balancing financial management with public health considerations. As the program continues to develop, the committee remains focused on ensuring transparency and safety for its participants.