North Dakota governor inks bill delaying medical marijuana rollout

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation on Thursday that will delay the rollout of the state’s medical marijuana program by several months so lawmakers and regulators have more time to iron out the details.

The law originally took effect Dec. 8, 2016, when state health regulators were to begin drafting regulations governing areas such as licensing and enrolling. But the newly signed measure suspends parts of the program, according to the Bismarck Tribune.

In particular, it delays the North Dakota Department of Health from issuing applications for MMJ dispensaries and receiving applications as well as handing out certificates of registration.

The program’s suspension lasts until whichever date occurs first: July 31, or the start date stipulated in any new measure enabling the sale and use of MMJ. Lawmakers were beginning to draft such legislation as of late January, according to the Bismarck Tribune.