22,000 Signatures Submitted for North Dakota Marijuana Legalization

8 July 2024

Organizers in North Dakota have submitted over 22,000 signatures for a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana, aiming to place the measure on the November 2024 election ballot. With 15,582 valid signatures required, the proposal outlines strict regulations, including marijuana laws that set possession limits, establish licensing fees, and mandate business certification processes, all designed to reflect the state’s conservative values. If approved, adults aged 21 and older could possess limited amounts of cannabis products, grow up to three plants at home, and purchase from licensed dispensaries.

The initiative follows previous failed attempts to legalize marijuana in North Dakota elections in 2018 and 2022. Supporters believe the new measure improves upon past proposals by introducing stricter marijuana laws that prioritize law enforcement resources on more critical issues, such as opioid abuse, while maintaining strong oversight. It also includes protections for cannabis users, preventing the loss of gun rights, parental rights, or eligibility for public assistance programs under state law. Public consumption and workplace restrictions, which allow employers to enforce drug-free policies, remain in place.

Critics argue that even with strict marijuana laws, the measure could still enable black markets and pose societal risks. The Secretary of State is tasked with verifying signatures by August 12, 2024, and, if passed, the program must be implemented by October 2025. The initiative reflects an effort to modernize North Dakota’s marijuana laws, offering opportunities for regulation, oversight, and taxation while providing a legal framework for recreational use.