The Latest: Buyers welcome medical pot to Fargo

The Associated Press - thegrowthop.com Posted 5 years ago
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FARGO, N.D. — The Latest on the opening of North Dakota’s first medical marijuana dispensary (all times local):

12:45 p.m.

Buyers who turned out for the opening in Fargo of North Dakota’s first medical marijuana dispensary say they’re relieved they can finally get the drug.

It took the state more than two years to build up a regulatory structure after voters approved the drug in 2016.

Marcus Schumacher of Fargo was one of the first to show up in cold and snow Friday outside the mini-mall location of the city’s dispensary. His cystic fibrosis qualifies him to buy, and Schumacher says he’s glad he can now use marijuana without feeling like a criminal.

Lanei Groshong of West Fargo left disappointed when she learned the shop does not have edible forms of the drug, which she had hoped to get to treat her severe arthritis. Edibles aren’t yet approved in North Dakota.

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12 a.m.

North Dakota’s first medical marijuana dispensary is about to open for business.

New York City-based Acreage Holdings is opening the doors to The Botanist on Friday in a Fargo mini-mall. Patients will find themselves walking into a room that has the feel of a spa or salon.

North Dakota voters approved the drug in 2016 after lawmakers refused to do it. More than 120 people have been state-certified to receive the drug. The state expects as many as 4,000 residents will eventually be legally using it.

So far there are 17 qualifying health conditions, along with terminal illnesses. The Legislature is considering expanding the list of legal conditions to 30.