North Dakota’s Path to Pot: Secretary of State Greenlights Cannabis Legalization Ballot Measure

In a significant development for cannabis advocates in North Dakota, Secretary of State Michael Howe has given the green light for a petition aimed at legalizing cannabis to enter circulation.

Proposal Details

The proposed measure, if approved, would legalize cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older. It encompasses the cultivation, processing, sale, and consumption of cannabis within the state. Additionally, it outlines the establishment of a regulatory body responsible for overseeing cannabis-related businesses in North Dakota.

Signature Collection Requirement

For the initiative to progress to the ballot, supporters must gather a minimum of 15,582 valid signatures from registered voters by April 25, 2025. This threshold represents a crucial step towards achieving the goal of legalizing cannabis in North Dakota.

Timeline for Submission

To ensure consideration for the upcoming general election in November, signatures must be submitted by July 8, 2024. However, even if this deadline isn’t met, there’s still an opportunity. Signatures received by April 25, 2025, will guarantee placement on the ballot for the subsequent statewide election, anticipated in 2026.

Mobilizing Support

To facilitate the signature collection process, supporters of the cannabis legalization measure are actively recruiting residents of North Dakota. Job advertisements seeking petition circulators have surfaced, targeting key cities such as Bismarck, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston.

The approval of the petition for cannabis legalization marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reform cannabis laws in North Dakota. With the signature collection phase underway, activists are poised to engage the community and rally support for the initiative, aiming to secure a spot on the ballot and potentially enact meaningful change in the state’s approach to cannabis regulation.