A ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota has qualified for the November election, marking another opportunity for the conservative state to reconsider its stance on the issue. The initiative, sponsored by New Economic Frontier, garnered nearly 19,000 signatures which were accepted by the state’s Secretary of State, surpassing the minimum requirement for placement on the ballot. The measure, led by Steve Bakken, aims to shift law enforcement focus from marijuana to more serious drugs like opioids and fentanyl, while also preempting potential out-of-state measures.
The proposed 20-page statutory measure would legalize recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older to use in their homes or on private property with permission. It includes regulations on production and processing, prohibited uses such as public consumption or use in vehicles, and provisions for home cultivation of plants. The measure also sets limits on purchase and possession, including specific amounts for dried leaves or flowers, cannabinoid concentrates, total THC, and edible products like solutions, capsules, and patches.
In North Dakota, marijuana use by individuals under 21 is considered a low-level misdemeanor, while possession by those over 21 is prohibited with penalties ranging from an infraction to misdemeanor based on the quantity possessed. Delivery of marijuana in any amount is classified as a felony, with severity potentially increasing based on proximity to certain locations like schools. Despite the criminalization of possession, use, and distribution, thousands of North Dakotans were charged with marijuana-related offenses in 2023 according to court data.
While North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in 2016, previous attempts to legalize recreational marijuana in 2018 and 2022 were unsuccessful. In 2021, the state House passed bills to legalize and tax recreational marijuana, which were ultimately defeated by the Senate. State Representative Matt Ruby, a member of the sponsoring committee for the current initiative, highlighted economic opportunities, improved regulation strategies, and enhanced access to medical marijuana as key points for voter education.
Opponents of the recreational marijuana measure, represented by the Brighter Future Alliance, expressed concerns about persistent efforts by supporters despite previous defeats. The organization emphasized the negative impacts of legalized marijuana in other states, citing increased crime, DUIs, and illegal drug trafficking as potential consequences. Despite opposition, a growing number of states, including Ohio most recently, have legalized recreational marijuana for adults, with measures in Florida and South Dakota also set to be on the ballot in November.
The debate over recreational marijuana legalization in North Dakota reflects broader trends in the country, with increasing acceptance and adoption of more liberal marijuana policies. As the federal government moves towards reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, states like North Dakota face important decisions about how to address marijuana regulation, enforcement, and public health concerns. The upcoming November election will provide voters in North Dakota with an opportunity to voice their opinions on the issue and shape the future direction of marijuana policy in the state.
