ND Cannabis Petition leaders taking more conservative approach to legalizing adult-use marijuana

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Over the past decade, 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis. This year, one group is looking to add North Dakota to that list.

New Economic Frontier filed the petition April 16 that aims to legalize adult-use cannabis in North Dakota. The petition is currently being reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office. If approved, it will need 15,582 signatures by July 8 to make it on the November ballot.

“We simply want to have a system that has reasonable regulations and restrictions, balanced with the rights of those that choose to use marijuana to be able to do it in a safe environment and with safe substances,” said Fargo-based attorney Mark Friese, who is a sponsor for the petition.

The petition looks to legalize cannabis for adults over the age of 21. This measure is the third attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota since 2018. Two prior proposals made it to the general election ballot but were rejected by voters.

Advocates for the most recent measure say the biggest difference this time around is a more conservative approach. Friese adds this measure, if approved, would be the most conservative approach to recreational cannabis in the United States.

The measure would limit the amount individuals can possess to only one ounce of cannabis, 400 ounces of concentrate and 1500 milligrams of cannabinoid products. It also would limit private growers to three plants per person or six plants per household.

The measure would also restrict usage in public places, on school campuses and public transit. Apartment tenants and employers would also have the ability to restrict use.

“It’s not acceptable to walk down downtown smoking a joint, it’s not acceptable to do it in parks near children,” said Fargo-based attorney Tanya Martinez, another sponsor for the petition. “This bill encompasses that and prevents it from being a free for all.”

Both Martinez and Friese say a major benefit of this measure for the state would be its financial impact. Currently, North Dakotans are traveling to Minnesota and Montana to purchase legal cannabis, which Friese says is taking potential tax dollars away from the state.

Beyond taxes, Friese says the measure would also save money by allowing better use of law enforcement resources.

“We can divert attention in our limited law enforcement resources away from enforcing a substance that’s relatively benign to much more serious violent crimes and more serious and impactful drugs,” Friese said.

With the stigma towards legal cannabis changing, and with a more conservative approach, both Friese and Martinez believe this recent proposal will be approved by voters in November.

“I think this one’s different, I think North Dakota is ready for this one. It’s a responsible approach to it,” Martinez said.

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