North Dakota Cannabis Activists Near Signature Goal for November Legalization Ballot

The campaign behind North Dakota’s marijuana legalization initiative announced this week that it has collected over half of the signatures required to place the proposal on the November ballot. Despite this progress, organizers acknowledge that more work is needed and have planned additional petitioning events before the July deadline.

Campaign Update

“We’re excited to share that our signature collection is making great strides!” the campaign, New Economic Frontier, wrote in an email update to supporters on Thursday. “This week, we’ve internally verified 8,344 signatures, with even more pending review from voters statewide.” Activists filed the proposal in April, and later that month, the secretary of state approved signature-gathering for the measure.

Legalization Details

Under the proposed measure, adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of concentrate, and 300 milligrams of edibles. They could purchase these products from a limited number of licensed dispensaries or grow up to three plants for personal use, with a maximum of six plants per household. The state Department of Health and Human Services or another designated agency would be responsible for regulating the program, with rules to be established by October 1, 2025.

Future Plans and Events

To qualify for the November ballot, backers need to collect at least 15,582 valid voter signatures by July 8. Currently, there are eight medical cannabis dispensaries operating in North Dakota, and the initiative requires regulators to develop separate application processes for these businesses to become dual licensees. The campaign plans to expand with more locations, paid signature-gathering positions, and volunteers, asking for financial donations and social media support. Organizers will collect signatures at events this weekend, including Happy Harry’s RibFest in Fargo and Buggies-n-Blues in Mandan.