North Dakota Voters to Decide on Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization in November

This November, North Dakota voters will have another chance to legalize adult-use cannabis, marking the third attempt to pass such a measure in the state. Secretary of State Michael Howe announced on August 12 that the necessary signatures had been validated, allowing the initiative to appear on the ballot. The previous efforts in 2018 and 2022 were unsuccessful, but proponents of the measure remain hopeful this time around.

The Measure’s Provisions and Backing

The initiative, supported by the New Economic Frontier (NEF), seeks to establish a regulated marketplace for adults aged 21 and older to purchase and possess small amounts of cannabis. NEF submitted nearly 22,400 signatures in early July, surpassing the required threshold of 15,582 valid signatures by more than 3,300.

If passed, the measure, which will appear as Measure 5 on the November 5 ballot, would allow adults to possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower, four grams of concentrate, and 300 milligrams of edibles. Additionally, individuals would be permitted to grow up to three plants for personal use, with a household limit of six plants.

Economic and Law Enforcement Impacts

NEF Chairman Steve Bakken, who also serves on the Burleigh County Board of Commissioners, has expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential benefits. He believes that legalizing cannabis could help diversify North Dakota’s economy and alleviate some of the burdens currently placed on law enforcement. “This measure provides an opportunity to create a new, regulated industry that can contribute to the state’s economy while allowing law enforcement to focus on more pressing issues,” Bakken said.

Challenges Ahead: Voter Sentiment

Despite the progress of the measure, recent polling suggests that a majority of likely voters in North Dakota currently oppose cannabis legalization. This presents a significant challenge for proponents as they work to sway public opinion in the lead-up to the vote. If passed, North Dakota would join neighboring states like Montana and Minnesota, where cannabis is already legal.

Looking Ahead to November

As North Dakota prepares for the November 5 election, all eyes will be on the outcome of Measure 5. The vote will not only determine the future of cannabis legalization in the state but also signal the potential for economic and social shifts that could follow the establishment of a legal cannabis market.