North Dakota to Vote on Cannabis Legalization in November Ballot

Activists in North Dakota have achieved a significant milestone in their push to legalize marijuana, announcing that they have collected enough signatures to place a legalization initiative on the state’s November ballot. The campaign, known as New Economic Frontier, is set to submit its petitions to the state next week, ahead of the deadline.

Internal Verification Process

The campaign, which has been meticulously verifying signatures throughout its effort, has reached a critical juncture. To qualify for the November ballot, they need to submit a minimum of 15,582 valid signatures by the upcoming deadline. Steve Bakken, chair of the campaign and a Burleigh County commissioner, emphasized the importance of informing voters about the potential benefits and regulatory framework of legalizing cannabis in North Dakota.

Public Opinion and Challenges

Despite the campaign’s progress, recent polling suggests a tough road ahead. A survey conducted by the Brighter Future Alliance found that 57% of likely North Dakota voters oppose the cannabis reform measure, while 43% support it. This indicates a significant challenge for activists as they move closer to achieving their goal.

Details of the Legalization Measure

Under the proposed legalization measure, adults aged 21 and older would be permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of concentrate, and 300 milligrams of edibles purchased from licensed dispensaries. Additionally, adults would have the option to cultivate up to three plants for personal use, with a household cap of six plants.

Regulatory Framework

The responsibility for regulating the program would fall to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services or another designated agency. Regulators would be tasked with establishing implementation rules by October 1, 2025. The initiative proposes limiting licenses to seven cannabis manufacturers and 18 retailers to prevent monopolies, with provisions for existing medical cannabis dispensaries to apply for dual licenses.

Past Attempts and Legislative History

North Dakota has seen previous efforts to legalize cannabis, including a 2021 bill that passed the House but was later defeated in the Senate. The state’s voters rejected a legalization proposal at the ballot in 2022. Over the years, various advocacy groups have worked to advance cannabis reform through ballot measures, with mixed success due to signature gathering challenges and legislative opposition.

Current Landscape and Legislative Developments

In recent years, North Dakota has taken steps toward cannabis reform, approving medical marijuana through a ballot measure in 2016 and allowing hospice patients to self-certify as medical cannabis patients in 2023. Legislative resolutions supporting hemp-based products have also gained traction, reflecting evolving attitudes toward cannabis within the state.

As North Dakota prepares for the November election, the fate of marijuana legalization rests in the hands of voters, who will decide whether to embrace recreational cannabis amidst ongoing regulatory and public opinion challenges. The outcome could significantly impact the state’s approach to cannabis policy and its broader implications for the region.