The North Dakota Department of Health said in August it hoped to have medical marijuana available by the end of the year in at least the state’s two largest cities, Bismarck and Fargo.

But questions lingered about how quickly manufacturing facilities could be up and running.

Here’s an update:

The state’s health department said this week that patients who qualify for medical marijuana and their caregivers can apply for registry cards beginning Oct. 29.

Two of the eight applicants selected to operate dispensaries in Bismarck and Fargo have not yet received local government approval or met state requirements.

One of the two proposed medical marijuana manufacturing facilities is awaiting state approval.

The state aims to have all eight dispensaries around North Dakota open by June 30, 2019.

The North Dakota health department said it plans to print and mail medical marijuana registry cards in December.

Those who apply must pay a $50 annual application fee and provide written proof from a health-care provider that the applicant has a debilitating medical condition.

– Associated Press