Earlier today, a group of 27 North Dakotans filed a 2024 ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis.
The initiative was filed by New Economic Frontier, a nonprofit political committee. Their proposal would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, four grams of marijuana concentrates and 1500 milligrams of adult-use cannabinoid products (300 milligrams of this can be in the form of edible products). The initiative would also allow the personal cultivation of up to three marijuana plants, and it would allow marijuana and marijuana products to be purchased through licensed marijuana stores.
To qualify for the November ballot, 15,582 signatures must be gathered from eligible North Dakota voters by July 8th, 2024.
“As an attorney, former police officer, and lifelong resident of North Dakota, I have seen how criminalizing cannabis drains resources from law enforcement and clogs our courts”, says Mark Friese, a Fargo-based criminal defense attorney. “This measure is a conservative and sensible approach to legalization that I am confident will benefit our state.”
Casey Neumann, CEO of local businesses Pure Dakota and Pure Dakota Health, said “I’ve seen how medical marijuana can help North Dakotans battling things like cancer, anxiety, and chronic pain. This makes it easier for our neighbors to access cannabis for their medicinal needs, but also will benefit our state as a whole through its taxation.”
According to a press release from the group, “Additional benefits of legalizing adult-use cannabis include, but are not limited to:
- Allowing law enforcement to focus on serious or violent crimes, enhancing public safety and saving taxpayer money.
- Ensuring that cannabis products are regulated, undergoing thorough testing for potency and screening for contaminants.
- Removing obstacles for veterans and individuals with medical conditions who cannot access medical marijuana.”
“Cannabis legalization is coming, and it’s coming fast”, says Steve Bakken, a Burleigh County Commissioner and former mayor of Bismarck, who is serving as the chair of the initiated measure’s sponsoring committee. “We’ve got a choice here – let out-of-state interests call the shots, or take the lead ourselves. We’ve carefully crafted this initiative right here in North Dakota, making sure it fits what our community really needs. Let’s embrace this opportunity the North Dakota way, with common sense and local input guiding the way.”
The group’s website states:
By legalizing adult-use cannabis, this measure not only offers economic opportunities for our state’s communities but also will create new jobs, remove access barriers for medical use, and free up law enforcement resources. To get this measure passed, we will be collecting signatures, providing strategic advocacy, and engaging with our community. We are committed to educating the public about the benefits of legalization and fostering informed discussions to garner widespread support. Together, we can grow a safe and prosperous future for North Dakota.
