North Dakota to Vote on Recreational Marijuana

North Dakota voters will have the opportunity to decide on a recreational marijuana legalization measure this November, after the Secretary of State confirmed that over 18,900 valid signatures were collected, surpassing the required threshold. The initiative, spearheaded by the New Economic Frontier, proposes allowing adults 21 and older to possess specified amounts of cannabis and cultivate plants for personal use. Supporters argue that legalizing marijuana would redirect law enforcement resources towards more urgent issues like the opioid crisis and diversify the state's economy. However, opposition remains strong, with a recent poll indicating that 57% of likely voters are against the measure, reflecting past rejections in 2018 and 2022. The opposition group, Brighter Future Alliance, warns of the potential negative impacts of legalization, stating that previous attempts have been decisively defeated. The measure would also allow for the regulation of cannabis production and sale, if approved by voters.