A New Initiative Filed Looks To Legalize Cannabis In North Dakota

"High Times" coming to North Dakota?

According to a press release obtained from New Economic Frontier, an initiative has been filed with the Secretary of State as of April 16th, 2024.

They are looking to legalize adult-use cannabis for individuals 21 and over to use at home without punishment.

The initiative is currently being reviewed by the Secretary of State.  After their approval, signatures will need to be obtained for it to appear on the November 2024 ballot.

New Economic Frontier claims this initiative was carefully crafted by locals including legal experts and business leaders, to reflect North Dakota's conservative values and community needs.

The committee chairperson is former Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken and is the sponsoring committee chair for the initiated measure.

Bakken said the following, "I feel it’s important that the state of North Dakota has the ability to, license, regulate, and tax legalized cannabis, for me it’s a case of public safety when we see fentanyl and other substances coming into the state and people may not know what they are consuming."

"That is why I feel it would be beneficial to legalize it in the state of North Dakota.  At some point legalized marijuana will pass, and it’s important it's done the North Dakota way."

Similar measures have failed recently in North Dakota.

Back in 2018 and in 2022.  How do you feel about the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in North Dakota?  Is it about time?

Here's a link to the full press release and the FAQs on this initiative.