Poll: North Dakota Voters Oppose Cannabis Legalization

North Dakota Cannabis Legalization Effort Faces Voter Opposition Despite Signature Milestone

A recent poll has cast doubt on the prospects of North Dakota’s cannabis legalization initiative, with 57 percent of likely voters expressing opposition to the measure compared to 43 percent in favor. The survey, conducted by the founder of Brighter Future Alliance, comes as activists for the New Economic Frontier campaign approach the signature threshold required to qualify the initiative for the state’s November ballot.

Signature Drive Progress

Despite the poll results, New Economic Frontier reports being just a few hundred signatures shy of the required threshold. Over the weekend, the campaign held successful signature drives across the state and continues to urge supporters to sign petitions and rally their networks for additional support.

Campaign’s Next Steps

As the campaign enters its final stretch, organizers are compiling the latest signature counts from various locations statewide. They emphasize the critical need for continued community engagement to bolster their chances of qualifying the initiative.

Details of the Initiative

If passed, the initiative would permit adults aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of concentrate, and 300 milligrams of edibles purchased from licensed dispensaries. Personal cultivation of up to three plants per adult, with a household cap of six plants, would also be allowed. Regulatory oversight would fall under the state Department of Health and Human Services or another designated agency, with implementation rules due by October 1, 2025.

Past Efforts and Legislative Landscape

North Dakota voters rejected a similar legalization proposal two years ago. The current initiative aims to restrict licensing to seven cannabis manufacturers and 18 retailers, with provisions to prevent monopolies. Existing medical cannabis dispensaries could apply for dual licenses under the new regulations.

Criminal Justice and Taxation

Unlike other states with legal cannabis, the North Dakota proposal lacks criminal justice reforms such as expungements and special licensing considerations for individuals affected by past drug laws. It also does not outline a specific taxation framework for legal cannabis sales.

Legislative History and Challenges

Efforts to advance cannabis legalization through North Dakota’s legislature have faced repeated setbacks, including recent defeats of bills in both the House and Senate. Previous attempts by advocacy groups to qualify legalization measures for the ballot have encountered logistical hurdles and opposition, despite public support for medical cannabis legalization in 2016.

Despite significant hurdles, including legislative resistance and polling indicating voter opposition, advocates remain determined to bring cannabis legalization to North Dakota. With the signature deadline approaching, the fate of the initiative will hinge on the final push from supporters across the state.