UPDATE: Patient applications for medical marijuana available Oct 29

UPDATE (4:21 p.m.) - Applications for patients or caregivers in the state's medical marijuana program will be available on Oct. 29. The Division of medical marijuana says anyone interested will need a criminal history check.

Along with the initial background check, checks will be done every two years. But the division doesn't know how many people are going to submit applications.

Under the law, doctors will be allowed to say no when asked to sign a certification form and the law prevents people from "doctor shopping." Applicant must sign a medical release of information related to the applicant's debilitating medical condition.

“It’s really going to be dependent on the number of individuals that have visited their healthcare provider and have a healthcare provider looking at signing that written certification for,” said Jason Wahl, Division of Medical Marijuana director.

We reached out to providers around the state seeing if their doctors will sign for patients.

Sanford Health says in a statement:

"Sanford does not endorse or oppose the use of medical marijuana. The decision is up to each Sanford doctor and what they feel is medically best for their patients. We base our discussions on medical research to ensure the best treatment for our patients."

Altru Health System in Grand Forks also sent a statement saying:

“Altru Health System will work with its providers through the changes in state laws and continue to partner with our patients in the management of their healthcare.”

CHI St. Alexius said in a statement:

“CHI St. Alexius does not allow marijuana use or possession on the premises of CHI facilities and will not allow employed providers to prescribe it to patients.”

Mid Dakota Clinic said in a statement"

"Physicians do not prescribe, rather they attest that a patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of marijuana. Patients need to discuss medical use of marijuana with their primary physician, and it is that individual physician’s choice whether or not to attest. "

Trinity Health in Minot says they’re reviewing their policies.

ORIGINAL STORY: Applications to be a qualifying patient and designated caregiver in North Dakota’s Medical Marijuana program.

The ND Department of Health says people interested in becoming a registered designated caregiver are required by state law to have a criminal history record check completed upon initial application and every two years thereafter. The Division of Medical Marijuana’s website includes information for designated caregivers on how to obtain a criminal history record check.

Instructions related to applications can be found on the Division of Medical Marijuana’s website at

www.ndhealth.gov/MM/.