Today, North Dakota officials certified a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot, placing the state alongside South Dakota and Florida in voting on legalization measures this fall.
With just 12 weeks until the November 5 presidential election, it’s set to be a pivotal day for marijuana law reform. North Dakota’s Secretary of State has confirmed the addition of a marijuana legalization initiative to the ballot, joining two other states.
Below is an overview of the three states voting on recreational marijuana initiatives this November.
Florida
Florida’s Amendment 3 seeks to legalize recreational marijuana through a constitutional amendment, allowing adults to possess up to three ounces of marijuana flower and five grams of concentrates.
Polls suggest solid support for the measure, with a recent Fox News poll showing 66% approval, and a University of North Florida poll from last week showing 64% of voters in favor, while 31% oppose it.
The group backing Amendment 3 has raised over $66 million, more than any other statewide marijuana initiative in U.S. history, while the main opposition has raised less than $1 million.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s Measure 5, sponsored by the nonprofit New Economic Frontier, would legalize recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older. If approved, the initiative would establish possession limits of one ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of concentrates, and 1,500 milligrams of cannabinoid products, including 300 milligrams in edible form. The measure would also allow personal cultivation of up to three plants and permit licensed retail outlets.
Although a recent poll shows only 43% of residents supporting the initiative, with 57% opposed, it met the signature requirements to qualify for the ballot in less than two months.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s Measure 29 proposes legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, with provisions for possession of up to one ounce and cultivation of three plants. It would also establish a regulated system for licensed marijuana businesses.
This is the third attempt by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws to secure legalization in the state within the last four years. In 2020, the group successfully passed Amendment A, which also sought to legalize recreational marijuana. However, the state Supreme Court later invalidated the amendment. The group reintroduced a revised initiative in 2022, but it narrowly failed, possibly due to lower voter turnout during the non-presidential election year.
With 2024 being a presidential election year and national support for legalization growing, the group is optimistic that Measure 29 can succeed and withstand any legal challenges.
