A group of 27 North Dakotans has filed a petition to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. The committee behind the measure, called New Economic Frontier, proposes allowing adults 21 and older to possess small amounts of cannabis and purchase products from registered cannabis establishments. To qualify for the November ballot, the initiative must gather 15,582 signatures from eligible North Dakota voters by July 8th. New Economic Frontier argues that legalization would boost economic development and diversify income streams, leading to long-term prosperity for North Dakota.
Former Bismarck Mayor and Burleigh County Commissioner Steve Bakken, who chairs the sponsoring committee, stated, “Cannabis legalization is coming, and it’s coming fast. We’ve got a choice here – let out-of-state interests call the shots, or take the lead ourselves. We’ve carefully crafted this initiative right here in North Dakota, making sure it fits what our community really needs. Let’s embrace this opportunity the North Dakota way, with common sense and local input guiding the way.” New Economic Frontier also highlights that the U.S. cannabis industry is projecting $38.4 billion in revenue in 2024.