An initiative seeking to create a legal framework for the cultivation, processing, and sale of adult-use cannabis in North Dakota has succeeded in its petition goal.
Back in November 2016, voters in the state approved the “North Dakota Compassionate Care Act” for medical cannabis. As at mid-June this year, there were 9,967 patients in the state with an active patient card; up from 7,950 when we last checked in 2022. Last year, patient purchase limits for eligible medicines was boosted from 4,000 mg of THC total to 6,000 mg (over thirty days).
There’s been an ongoing push to also legalize recreational use in the state. To get such an initiative in front of the state’s voters, 15,582 valid signatures were required to qualify for this year’s November ballot. New Economic Frontier led the charge, and their efforts resulted in more than 22,000 signatures. But not all those may be included in the official total, as some may be rejected during the verification process.
New Economic Frontier is very pleased with its effort.
“We didn’t just meet the requirement, we blew past it and that’s no accident,” said ballot measure committee member Jake Mittelsteadt. “We wanted to send a clear message that North Dakota is ready for this change. Even if some signatures don’t make the cut, we’re confident voters will have their say come November.”
Addressing concerns surrounding adult-use cannabis including the potential impact on the state’s medical program, New Economic Frontier says it has been conservative in its approach compared to some surrounding states. In its initiative, adults 21 years and over would be able to possess:
- 1 ounce of cannabis.
- 4 grams of concentrate.
- 1500 milligrams of adult-use cannabinoid products, with 300 milligrams of this total permitted to be in the form of edibles.
The measure includes allowances for home-growing – up to 3 plants per person over the age of 21, with a limit of 6 plants per household. Furthermore, the initiative would permit up to seven manufacturing facilities and eighteen dispensaries across North Dakota. The measure also includes provisions for secure tracking systems and stringent quality control testing, and addresses impaired driving and workplace safety issues.
“People are ready for a common-sense approach to cannabis,” said New Economic Frontier Chair, Steve Bakken. “This isn’t just about changing laws – it’s about creating opportunities and bringing our communities together.”
The full text of the measure can be found here.
