North Dakota votes on legalizing cannabis for adults

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

“We are pleased that North Dakotans will vote on legalizing adult-use cannabis in November,” said Steve Bakken, chairman of New Economic Frontier, in an August 12, 2024 press release. “It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for North Dakota to diversify its economy and reduce the burden on our law enforcement and justice systems. It’s about unlocking our state’s potential and securing a better future for all residents.” Bakken also stated that this measure is more moderate than previous versions.

According to Representative Matt Ruby, educating voters will also be crucial. “Our goal now is to explain to voters why we believe this is a huge step forward for our state,” he explained. “We are focusing on three key areas: economic growth, more effective regulation and fewer barriers to medical cannabis.” Cannabis for medical purposes was approved by voters in 2016 (3).

If Measure 5 is passed, persons 21 years of age and older will be able to legally possess and use the following substances (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

In addition, consumption in public would be prohibited, but cultivation at home would be allowed under certain circumstances.

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

Opponents of Measure 5 have pointed out that recreational cannabis has been on North Dakota’s ballot twice before – in 2018 and 2022 – but was rejected both times (NDM). They have also raised concerns about rising crime and the drug’s impact on youth.

If Measure 5 is passed, the legal sale and consumption of cannabis for recreational use will begin no later than October 1, 2025 (5).

References

1. New Economic Frontier. Adult-use marijuana legalization signature drive passes, Economic Growth Measure 5 appears 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 asked to vote again on marijuana legalization https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-marijuana-legalization-ballot-initiative-election-8f5a443e1dca69cd3ded19c4e9acb3d6 (accessed August 23, 2024).
4. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS AND RELATED REGULATIONS 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 marijuana 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).