North Dakota voters will have the chance to legalize recreational marijuana this November, as Measure 5 has officially qualified for the ballot.
New Economic Frontier, the organization behind the initiative, successfully gathered over 22,000 valid signatures, exceeding the required threshold of 15,582. This gives voters the opportunity to consider the measure this November 5.
Measure 5, if passed, would legalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, four grams of marijuana concentrates, and 1,500 milligrams of adult-use cannabinoid products for individuals aged 21 and older. The measure also includes provisions for residents to cultivate up to three marijuana plants for personal use. Additionally, it would establish a regulated market for the sale of marijuana products through licensed retailers.
Steve Bakken, chairperson of the New Economic Frontier, expressed optimism about the measure’s potential impact, highlighting the economic benefits and the opportunity to reduce the strain on law enforcement resources. “This is a chance for North Dakota to diversify its economy and create a more sensible approach to cannabis regulation,” Bakken said.
With Measure 5 on the ballot, North Dakota joins South Dakota and Florida as states considering legalization initiatives this November. If all three are approved by voters, there will be 27 legal marijuana states.
For the full text of Measure 5, click here.
