North Dakota Senate Rejects Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

The North Dakota Senate recently voted 32-14 to reject HB 1596, a bill aimed at reducing penalties for low-level marijuana possession to a $150 civil fine. Proponents argued that this change would alleviate court congestion, but opponents, including law enforcement, asserted that voters have previously rejected marijuana legalization and prefer maintaining criminal penalties. In Ohio, state lawmakers are proposing changes to the recreational marijuana law passed by voters in 2023, including doubling the excise tax to 20% and altering homegrown plant limits, but the House has already rejected Governor Mike DeWine's tax increase plan. The Ohio Department of Taxation indicated that additional funds could support various health and safety initiatives. Meanwhile, in Montana, legislators are debating how to allocate projected marijuana sales tax revenues, with proposals aimed at enhancing conservation efforts and supporting law enforcement. As states continue to navigate marijuana legislation, tensions remain high between lawmakers and voter sentiment.