North Dakota to Vote on Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

Adult recreational use cannabis will be on the November 2024 ballot in North Dakota as Measure 5, after being approved by the Secretary of State earlier this month (1). According to New Economic Frontier, a cannabis legalization advocacy organization sponsoring the measure, out of the 22,000 signatures collected and submitted, 18,964 signatures were approved – more than the 15, 582 signatures required (2).

“We’re excited for North Dakotans to cast their votes on the legalization of adult-use cannabis in November,” said Steve Bakken, chairperson of New Economic Frontier in a news release dated August 12, 2024. “It represents a unique opportunity for North Dakota to diversify its economy and alleviate some of the burden on our law enforcement and judicial systems. It’s about unlocking our state’s potential and securing a brighter future for all residents.” Bakken also explained that this measure is more moderate than previous versions.

Voter education will also be crucial, according to Representative Matt Ruby. “Our goal now is to educate voters on why we believe this to be a great step forward for our state,” he stated. “We’re focusing on three key areas: economic growth, more effective regulation, and less barriers to medical cannabis.” Cannabis for medical purposes was approved by voters in 2016 (3).

If Measure 5 is passed, individuals ages 21 and older will be able to legally possess and use (4):

• One ounce of cannabis flower for adult use
• Four grams of concentrate
• Up to 1500 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a cannabis product
• Up to 300 milligrams of THC in edible products

Additionally, public use would be prohibited, though home cultivation would be allowed under certain circumstances.

Two other states, South Dakota and Florida, will also be voting on recreational cannabis in November 2024.

Those in opposition to Measure 5 have noted that recreational cannabis has been on North Dakota’s ballot twice before – in 2018 and 2022 – but had been rejected both times (NDM). They have also expressed concerns over increased crime and the drug’s effects on youth.

If Measure 5 passes, the legal sale and use of recreational cannabis begins October 1, 2025, at the latest (5).

References

1. New Economic Frontier. Adult-Use Legalization Signature Drive Succeeds, Measure 5 for Economic Growth to Appear on November Ballot https://neweconomicfrontier.com/adult-use-legalization-signature-drive-approved-for-ballot/ (accessed August 23, 2024).
2. Achterling, M. Recreational marijuana heads to November ballot in North Dakota https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/08/12/recreational-marijuana-heads-to-november-ballot-in-north-dakota/ (accessed August 23, 2024).
3. Dura, J. North Dakota voters to weigh in again on marijuana legalization https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-marijuana-legalization-ballot-initiative-election-8f5a443e1dca69cd3ded19c4e9acb3d6 (accessed August 23, 2024).
4. STATUTORY INITIATIVE RELATED TO THE LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS AND RELATED REGULATION https://www.sos.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/elections/measures/cannabis-measure-full-text.pdf (accessed August 23, 2024).
5. Dorbian, I. North Dakota Gets A Third Chance To Legalize Weed https://www.forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2024/08/20/third-times-the-charm-north-dakotans-get-another-shot-to-legalize-weed/ (accessed August 23, 2024).