Advocates in North Dakota on Monday submitted more than 22,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office in their bid to put an adult-use legalization question on November ballots. North Dakota voters have twice rejected adult-use measures and lawmakers failed to advance a legalization bill in 2021.
In a statement, New Economic Frontier Committee Chairman Steve Bakken said the proposal isn’t “just about changing laws – it’s about creating opportunities and bringing our communities together.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this initiative possible. North Dakotans really stepped up to support this cause – from the businesses that offered their support, to the dedicated circulators who braved all kinds of weather, to every single person who took the time to sign. People are ready for a common-sense approach to cannabis.” — Bakken in a press release
The initiative needed 15,582 signatures to qualify for the ballot. Jake Mittelsteadt, ballot measure committee member, said the campaign “blew past” the state requirement.
“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.” Mittelsteadt said in a statement. “And while some have raised concerns about the measure not addressing specific tax laws, it’s important to understand that those details are the legislature’s responsibility, not ours. Our job is to bring this issue to the ballot, letting North Dakotans decide on the principle.”
If approved by voters, the initiative would permit up to seven manufacturing facilities and 18 dispensaries across the state. It includes provisions for secure tracking systems, quality control testing, and limits on purchase amounts, while also addressing impaired driving and workplace safety issues.
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