The House Human Services Committee of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss several key legislative matters, primarily focusing on the regulation of medical marijuana products. The meeting, which lasted from 2:24 PM to 3:21 PM, addressed Senate Bill 22 93 and Senate Bill 22 94, both concerning the state's medical marijuana program.

The session began with a discussion on the verification process for individuals seeking medical marijuana. Committee members emphasized the importance of confirming North Dakota residency through utility or cell phone bills to ensure that only eligible individuals receive medical marijuana.

Representative Fradley raised a question regarding potential conflicts between the recently passed House Bill 12 03, which pertains to edible marijuana, and the upcoming Senate Bill 22 94. The committee clarified that while both bills address marijuana products, they focus on different aspects, with Senate Bill 22 94 specifically dealing with the packaging and container sizes for cannabinoid edible products.

Further discussions highlighted the challenges in setting limits on the milligrams of THC in concentrates, as these products are highly potent and vary based on extraction methods. The committee noted that North Dakota's regulations mirror those of Washington State, which has established a 1-gram limit for concentrates.

The committee also revisited penalties associated with misuse of medical marijuana by caregivers. It was confirmed that previous legislation established penalties for unlawful activities related to medical marijuana, with specific consequences for caregivers who misuse their access to the product.

As the meeting progressed, the committee opened the floor for further testimony in support of Senate Bill 22 93, with no opposition noted. The hearing on this bill concluded, and the committee prepared to transition to the next item on the agenda, Senate Bill 22 94.

In summary, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of the North Dakota legislature to refine and regulate the medical marijuana program, ensuring that it operates effectively while safeguarding public health and compliance with state laws. The committee's discussions will likely influence future legislative actions and the implementation of medical marijuana regulations in North Dakota.