A ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota has qualified for the November election, according to the state’s top election official. This development paves the way for another vote on the issue in a state where previous attempts have been rejected by voters and lawmakers.
North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe confirmed that nearly 19,000 signatures were validated after a review, surpassing the required number for ballot placement. The initiative’s sponsor, New Economic Frontier, had initially submitted over 22,000 signatures in early July.
Steve Bakken, leader of the measure and a Burleigh County commissioner, argues that law enforcement resources would be better allocated to combating opioids and fentanyl rather than marijuana. He also emphasizes that this initiative aims to preempt any potentially problematic out-of-state measures.
The proposed 20-page measure would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing use at home and, if permitted, on private property. It includes detailed regulations for production and processing, prohibits use in public or vehicles, and permits home cultivation of plants.
The measure sets limits for purchase and possession: 1 ounce of dried marijuana, 4 grams of cannabinoid concentrate, 1,500 milligrams of THC in cannabis products, and 300 milligrams of THC in edibles. It also covers cannabis solutions, capsules, transdermal patches, concentrates, topical products, and edibles.
Currently, marijuana use by those under 21 is a low-level misdemeanor in North Dakota, while recreational use for older individuals is not a crime, though possession carries varying penalties. Distribution of any amount of marijuana is classified as a felony, with increased penalties if the offense occurs near a school.
In 2023, North Dakota courts charged 4,451 individuals statewide with marijuana use or possession.
North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in 2016 but rejected recreational initiatives in 2018 and 2022. In 2021, the Republican-led state House passed bills to legalize and tax recreational marijuana, but these were defeated by the GOP-majority Senate.
Republican state Rep. Matt Ruby, a member of the sponsoring committee, stated that the focus will now be on informing voters about the potential economic benefits, effective regulation, and improved access to medical marijuana.
The Brighter Future Alliance, opposing the measure, criticized the persistent push for legalization despite previous rejections. Patrick Finken, the group’s chair, expressed frustration over the renewed efforts.
Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben cited concerns from states with legalized recreational marijuana, arguing that it leads to increased crime, DUIs, and illegal drug trafficking.
Read More: South Africa: Pastor Wielding Machete and Rifles Arrested
Recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states, with Ohio being the most recent to pass it via initiative in November 2023. Florida and South Dakota will also have measures on the ballot this November.
In May, the federal government began the process of reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
