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North Dakota Initiated Measure 5, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024)
North Dakota Initiated Measure 5 | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Election date November 5, 2024 | |
Topic Marijuana | |
Status![]() | |
Type State statute | Origin Citizens |
North Dakota Initiated Measure 5, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, was on the ballot in North Dakota as an initiated state statute on November 5, 2024. It was defeated.
A "yes" vote supported legalizing recreational marijuana, allowing individuals to possess up to 1 oz of marijuana, 4g of concentrate, 300mg of edibles; and allowing individuals to grow three plants with a limit of six plants per household. |
A "no" vote opposed legalizing recreational marijuana. |
Election results
See also: Results for marijuana and psychedelics ballot measures, 2024
North Dakota Initiated Measure 5 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
Yes | 172,174 | 47.47% | ||
190,548 | 52.53% |
Overview
What would Initiated Measure 5 have done?
- See also: Text of measure
The initiative would have legalized recreational marijuana. Under the measure, individuals could have possessed up to 1 ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of cannabinoid concentrate, 1,500mg of THC in the form of cannabinoid products, and 300mg of edibles. Individuals would have been allowed to grow three plants with a limit of six plants per household.[1]
The measure would have required the Department of Health and Human Services, or another department or agency designated by the state legislature, to establish marijuana regulations, including for the production and distribution of marijuana by October 1, 2025. Under the measure, the department could have licensed up to seven cultivation facilities and 18 marijuana retailers.[1]
What did supporters and opponents say about the measure?
- See also: Support and Opposition
New Economic Frontier sponsored the initiative. The campaign said, "As seen in other states, legalizing adult-use cannabis can fuel economic development by creating new jobs, stimulating tourism, and generating tax revenue. By embracing this growing industry, we can unlock new sources of income, foster entrepreneurship, and build a more resilient and prosperous economy for North Dakota. ... Arresting adults for minor cannabis offenses drains law enforcement resources and burdens our judicial system. By legalizing cannabis, we can redirect these valuable resources toward addressing more pressing public safety concerns, ensuring our communities are safer and our officers can focus on serious crimes."[2]
Opponents of the measure included the North Dakota Medical and Hospital Associations, North Dakota Peace Officers, Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota, and North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Associations. Tim Blasl, President of the North Dakota Hospital Association, said, "It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our communities and take a cautious approach to any policy changes that could increase the prevalence of substance use and its associated harms. Instead of legalizing marijuana, we should focus on prevention, education, and providing adequate resources for those who need help with substance use and mental health issues. We continue to experience an epidemic in terms of behavioral health issues in our communities and the health and safety of our community must come first.”[3]
Has North Dakota voted on marijuana legalization before?
- See also: Background
North Dakota voters rejected marijuana legalization initiatives in 2022 and 2018. In 2022, voters rejected Measure 2 with 55% of voters opposed and Measure 3 2018 with 59% of voters opposed.
In 2016, North Dakotans approved Issue 5, which legalized the use of medical marijuana to treat defined debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, glaucoma, and epilepsy.
What is the status of recreational marijuana in the United States?
- See also: Background
As of September 2024, 24 states and Washington, D.C., had legalized the possession and personal use of marijuana for recreational purposes.[4][5][6][7]
- In 13 states and D.C., the ballot initiative process was used to legalize marijuana.
- In two states, the legislature referred a measure to the ballot for voter approval.
- In nine states, bills to legalize marijuana were enacted into law.
In 2024, three states decided on marijuana legalization initiatives: Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for the measure was as follows:[8]
“ | The initiated measure would create a new chapter of the North Dakota Century Code. It would allow for
the production, processing, and sale of cannabis and the possession and use of various forms of cannabis by individuals who are 21 years of age and older; direct a state entity to regulate and register adult use cannabis production businesses, dispensaries, and their agents; provide protections for individuals who are 21 years of age or older who use cannabis; provide penalties for violations of the chapter; preserve certain employer rights regarding use of cannabis products by employees; supersede local ordinances that otherwise would prohibit the purchase, sale, use, delivery, or growing of cannabis by or to individuals 21 years of age or older; and provide that fees must be appropriated for administration of this chapter. The estimated fiscal impact of this measure includes revenues of $10,227,600, expenses of $8,324,275, and an undetermined amount of additional costs associated with behavioral health and social impacts for the 2025-2027 biennium. Yes – Means you approve the measure as summarized above. No – Means you reject the measure as summarized above.[9] |
” |
Full text
The full text of the measure can be read below.
Readability score
- See also: Ballot measure readability scores, 2024
Using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formulas, Ballotpedia scored the readability of the ballot title for this measure. Readability scores are designed to indicate the reading difficulty of text. The Flesch-Kincaid formulas account for the number of words, syllables, and sentences in a text; they do not account for the difficulty of the ideas in the text. The secretary of state wrote the ballot language for this measure.
The FKGL for the ballot title is grade level 12, and the FRE is 37. The word count for the ballot title is 177.
Measure design
Click on the arrows (▼) below to read more about the provisions of the initiative.
Marijuana use and possession: quantity limitations and home grow provisions
Under the initiative, individuals would be allowed to possess up to three marijuana plants (up to six per household) kept in a locked space in a private residence and not visible from a public place.[10]
Under the initiative, individuals could not be prohibited from owning, purchasing, or possessing a firearm once obtaining an adult-use marijuana registration card.[10]
The smell of marijuana, the possession of marijuana, or the suspicion of possession of marijuana alone would not warrant a detention, search, or arrest unless there was evidence that the transport quantity limitations were exceeded or if to determine if an individual is driving under the influence.[10]
Marijuana business licensing: rules governing the licensing of marijuana manufacturers and dispensaries
A marijuana business registration application fee would be no more than $5,000. Once approved for registration, a marijuana business would need to pay a certification fee of $90,000 for a dispensary and $110,000 for a manufacturing facility. The business would be required to give the department financial assurance or a security bond to ensure "protection of the public health and safety and the environment in the event of abandonment, default, or other inability or unwillingness to meet the requirements" of the initiative. Licensing and registration fees would be deposited in the existing Medical Marijuana Fund.[10]
Department of Health and Human Services rules for program implementation: rules governing the implementation of adult-use marijuana
The initiative was designed to require the department to develop the following regulations to implement the program:[10]
- requirements for transporting, storing, advertising, packaging, labeling, and testing marijuana products;
- the establishment of other categories of allowable registered marijuana businesses including limited cultivation registrations, propagation registrations, and research or education facility registrations;
- the establishment of licensing processes, procedures, and forms for marijuana businesses;
- requirements for inventory and product tracking for manufacturing facilities and dispensaries;
- rules providing that dispensaries can not sell marijuana products in excess of the allowed amounts;
- the selection of a certified laboratory to conduct random sample quality testing of marijuana products;
- the creation of labeling standards listing THC and CBD amounts;
- the establishment of design and security features for marijuana product containers;
- procedures to prevent sales to underage individuals such as the use of an age verification scanner;
- a cardholder registration and verification system;
- rules providing that no adult-use dispensaries may be located within 1,000 feet from a school; and
- rules providing for department inspections of marijuana businesses to ensure compliance.
Limitations and legal penalties: personal use limitations and penalties for violating the initiative's provisions
- a $250 fine for growing marijuana plants that are visible and recognizable from a public place or that are not kept in a locked space in a private residence;
- a $300 fine for the possession, production, or delivery of marijuana in quantities beyond what is allowed.
Consuming marijuana would be prohibited in the following places:[10]
- in any public place whether indoor or outdoor, or on any form of public transportation;
- on the grounds of an adult-use marijuana business unless expressly allowed by the state legislature or a department rule;
- in a motor vehicle;
- on school grounds, school buses, or school property;
- on state or federal property;
- at correctional facilities; and
- at childcare facilities.
Support
New Economic Frontier led the campaign in support of the initiative. The initiative was filed by Burleigh County commissioner and former Bismarck mayor Steve Bakken (R).[11]
Supporters
Officials
- State Rep. Matthew Ruby (R)
- Former Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken (Nonpartisan)
Arguments
Opposition
Opponents
Unions
Organizations
- Association of General Contractors
- Brighter Future Alliance
- Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota
- North Dakota Catholic Conference
- North Dakota Family Alliance
- North Dakota Hospital Association
- North Dakota Medical Association
- North Dakota Motor Carriers
- North Dakota Petroleum Council
- North Dakota Sheriffs Association
Arguments
Campaign finance
New Economic Frontier registered to support the initiative. The committee reported $519,558.50 in contributions.[12]
Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions | Cash Expenditures | Total Expenditures | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Support | $433,249.40 | $86,309.10 | $519,558.50 | $474,344.02 | $560,653.12 |
Oppose | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $433,249.40 | $86,309.10 | $519,558.50 | $474,344.02 | $560,653.12 |
Support
The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committee in support of Initiated Measure 5.[12]
Committees in support of Initiated Measure 5 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Committee | Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions | Cash Expenditures | Total Expenditures |
New Economic Frontier | $433,249.40 | $86,309.10 | $519,558.50 | $474,344.02 | $560,653.12 |
Total | $433,249.40 | $86,309.10 | $519,558.50 | $474,344.02 | $560,653.12 |
Donors
The five top donors to the support campaign, which contributed 99.95% of funds, were as follows:[12]
Donor | Cash Contributions | In-Kind Contributions | Total Contributions |
---|---|---|---|
GR Holding OH-ND, LLC | $261,050.00 | $0.00 | $261,050.00 |
Pure Dakota | $0.00 | $86,309.10 | $86,309.10 |
Pure Dakota Health of Bismarck | $75,000.00 | $0.00 | $75,000.00 |
Pure Dakota Health of Fargo | $75,000.00 | $0.00 | $75,000.00 |
Opposition
Ballotpedia has not identified a committee registered to oppose this measure.
Methodology
To read Ballotpedia's methodology for covering ballot measure campaign finance information, click here.
Polls
- See also: 2024 ballot measure polls
- Are you aware of a poll on this ballot measure that should be included below? You can share ballot measure polls, along with source links, with us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
North Dakota Initiated Measure 5, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024) | ||||||
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North Dakota News Cooperative, WPA Intelligence | 09/28/2024-9/30/2024 | 500 RV | ± 4.4% | 45% | 40% | 15% |
Question: "An initiated measure that would legalize marijuana use, production and sales by anyone at least 21 years old." | ||||||
Note: LV is likely voters, RV is registered voters, and EV is eligible voters.
Background
Marijuana laws ballot measuresin North Dakota
2022
North Dakota voters rejected a marijuana legalization initiative in 2022 with 55% of voters opposed. The measure would have legalized the personal use of marijuana for adults 21 years of age and older and would have allowed individuals to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to three marijuana plants.
2018
In 2018, North Dakota voters rejected a marijuana legalization initiative, Measure 3, backed by Legalize ND. David Owen was the primary sponsor and campaign chairman for Measure 3, as well as the 2022 initiative, which was sponsored by New Approach North Dakota. Measure 3 was designed to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in North Dakota for people 21 years of age or older and create an automatic expungement process for individuals with convictions for a controlled substance that was legalized. Under the measure, individuals over the age of 21 could not have been prosecuted in any court for charges relating to any non-violent marijuana-related activity (such as growing, selling, distributing, and smoking) except distribution to someone under 21. The 2018 initiative was rejected by a vote of 59.45% against and 40.55% in favor.
2016
In 2016, North Dakotans approved Issue 5, which legalized the use of medical marijuana to treat defined debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, glaucoma, and epilepsy.
Recreational marijuana in the U.S.
As of June 2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C., had legalized the possession and personal use of marijuana for recreational purposes.[4][13][14][15]
- In 13 states and D.C., the ballot initiative process was used to legalize marijuana.
- In two states, the legislature referred a measure to the ballot for voter approval.
- In nine states, bills to legalize marijuana were enacted into law.
The following table provides information about when and how recreational marijuana became legal.
Timeline and process of recreational marijuana legalization | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
State | Year legalized | Process used | Votes on ballot measures | ||
For | Against | ||||
Colorado | 2012 | Initiative | 55.32% | 44.68% | |
Washington | 2012 | Initiative | 55.70% | 44.30% | |
Alaska | 2014 | Initiative | 53.23% | 46.77% | |
Oregon | 2014 | Initiative | 56.11% | 43.89% | |
Washington, D.C. | 2014 | Initiative | 70.06% | 29.94% | |
California | 2016 | Initiative | 57.13% | 42.87% | |
Maine | 2016 | Initiative | 50.26% | 49.74% | |
Massachusetts | 2016 | Initiative | 53.66% | 46.34% | |
Nevada | 2016 | Initiative | 54.47% | 45.53% | |
Michigan | 2018 | Initiative | 55.89% | 44.11% | |
Vermont | 2018 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Illinois | 2019 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Arizona | 2020 | Initiative | 60.03% | 39.97% | |
Montana | 2020 | Initiative | 56.90% | 43.10% | |
New Jersey | 2020 | Referral | 67.08% | 32.92% | |
New York | 2021 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Virginia | 2021 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
New Mexico | 2021 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Connecticut | 2021 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Rhode Island | 2022 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Maryland | 2022 | Referral | 67.20% | 32.80% | |
Missouri | 2022 | Initiative | 53.10% | 46.90% | |
Delaware | 2023 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Minnesota | 2023 | Legislation | N/A | N/A | |
Ohio | 2023 | Initiative | 57.19% | 42.81% |
Comparison of ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana
The following table compares a selection of ballot measure provisions, such as possession limits, local control, taxes, and revenue dedications.
Click "Show" to expand the table.
Comparison of marijuana ballot measure provisions, 2012-2023 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Measure | Possession limits | Homegrown plants | Local control | State taxes | Revenue |
Marijuana legalization ballot measures that were approved, 2012-2023 | |||||
Ohio Issue 2 (2023) | • 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates | • Six marijuana plants per individual or 12 plants per household | • A municipality cannot limit research on marijuana, levy a tax or fee on marijuana businesses, prohibit home growing of marijuana, or limit anything authorized by the initiative. A municipality can adopt an ordinance or resolution by a majority vote to prohibit or limit the number of cannabis operators in the territory. If such an ordinance or resolution is adopted, a dispensary needs to cease operations within 60 days. A dispensary can file a petition with the board of elections within the 60-day timeframe to request a public vote on whether or not the dispensary should remain open. | • 10% sales tax | • 36% to the cannabis social equity and jobs fund to fund the implementation of the program; 36% to the host community cannabis fund to provide funds to jurisdictions with adult-use dispensaries based on the percentage of adult-use tax attributable to each municipality or township; 25% to the substance abuse and addiction fund to fund the department of mental health and addiction services in alleviating substance and opiate abuse and supporting related research; and 3% to the division of cannabis control and tax commissioner fund to fund operations of the division of cannabis control. |
Maryland Question 4 (2022) | • Not specified | • Not specified | • Not specified | • Not specified | • Not specified |
Missouri Amendment 3 (2022) | • 3 ounces of marijuana | • Grow up to six flowering plants, six nonflowering plants, and six clones, if the person is registered to cultivate marijuana plants | • Local government may prohibit operation of all marijuana facilities located within its jurisdiction • Local government may enact ordinances governing time, place, and manner of operations of marijuana facilities, as well as the public smoking and consumption of marijuana products |
• 6% tax on retail price of recreational marijuana • Governing body of any local government may impose an additional sales tax to retail sales of marijuana that cannot exceed 3% |
• Veterans, Health, and Community Reinvestment Fund |
Arizona Proposition 207 (2020) | • 1 ounce of marijuana • 5 grams (0.18 ounces) of marijuana concentrate |
• Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | • Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | • 16% excise sales tax | • community college districts • police and fire departments and fire districts • highways • new criminal justice fund (restorative programs, mentoring, and behavioral health) |
Montana I-190 (2020) | • 1 ounce of marijuana | • Individuals could grow up to four marijuana plants and four seedling in a private residence in a locked space | • A local government is not allowed to completely ban marijuana cultivators, testing facilities, wholesalers, or retail stores from operating in its limits; cannot prohibit the transportation of marijuana on public roads in its jurisdiction by those who are licensed to do so; allowed to pass ordinances to regulate an adult-use provider or adult-use marijuana-infused products that operate in its jurisdiction | • 20% sales tax | • After the tax revenue is used by the Department of Revenue to cover costs associated with implementing the initiative, 10.5% of the remaining revenue would be appropriated to the state's general fund, and the remainder would be appropriated to conservation programs, substance abuse treatment, veterans’ services, healthcare costs, and localities where marijuana is sold |
New Jersey Amendment (2020) | • Not specified | • Not specified | • Not specified | • Subject to state sales tax • Prohibits additional state sales taxes on marijuana |
• Not specified |
Michigan Proposal 1 (2018) | • 2.5 ounces of marijuana • 0.5 ounces of marijuana concentrate |
•Grow up to 12 marijuana plants | •Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | •10% excise sales tax | •local governments •K-12 education •road and bridge maintenance |
California Proposition 64 (2016) | • 1 ounce of marijuana • 0.3 ounces of marijuana concentrate |
•Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | •Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | •15% excise sales tax •$9.25/ounce cultivation tax for flowers •$2.75/ounce cultivation tax for leaves |
•youth drug education, prevention, and treatment •prevent and fix environmental damage from illegal marijuana producers •marijuana DUI prevention and negative health effects programs |
Nevada Question 2 (2016) | • 1 ounce of marijuana • 0.125 ounces of marijuana concentrate |
•Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | •Permits local ballot measures pertaining to zoning and land use for marijuana establishments | •15% excise sales | •K-12 education |
Maine Question 1 (2016) | • 2.5 ounces of marijuana and/or marijuana concentrate | • Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | • Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | • 10% excise sales tax •The legislature added a $20.94/ounce cultivation tax on flowers and mature plants; $5.88/ounce cultivation tax on marijuana trim; $1.50 tax per immature plant; $0.30 tax per immature plant |
•General Fund (legislature added public health programs and law enforcement programs) |
Massachusetts Question 4 (2016) | • 10 ounces of marijuana in one's home • 1 ounce of marijuana in public • 0.2 ounces of marijuana concentrate |
• Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | • Municipalities allowed to limit number of establishments and restrict the time, place, and manner of their operation • Permits local ballot measures to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries |
• 3.75% excise sales tax (legislature increased to 10.75%) | • General Fund |
Alaska Measure 2 (2014) | • 1 ounce of marijuana | • Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | • Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | • $50/ounce cultivation tax | • General Fund |
Oregon Measure 91 (2014) | • 8 ounces of marijuana in one's home • 1 ounce of marijuana in public • 1 ounce of marijuana concentrate |
• Grow up to 4 marijuana plants | • Permits local ballot measures to ban or limit marijuana establishments | • 17% excise sales tax (legislature added the excise sales tax) • $35/ounce producer tax for flowers • $10/ounce producer tax for leaves |
• K-12 education • drug prevention and treatment • state police • local law enforcement |
Colorado Amendment 64 (2012) | • 1 ounce of marijuana • 1 ounce of marijuana concentrate |
• Grow up to 6 marijuana plants | • Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | •Required the state legislature to enact taxes •In 2013, the legislature's Proposition AA enacted a 15% excise tax on unprocessed retail marijuana and 10% (increased to 15% in 2017) sales tax on retail sales |
• K-12 public education • Proposition AA added allocations for local governments, healthcare, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and law enforcement |
Washington Initiative 502 (2012) | • 1 ounce of marijuana • 0.25 ounce of marijuana concentrate |
• Illegal | • Municipalities allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries | •25% excise sales tax (legislature increased the tax to 37%) | • research • drug prevention, public health education • healthcare • dropout prevention, intervention • General Fund |
Political context of recreational marijuana ballot measures
The following table summarizes the political context surrounding recreational marijuana ballot measures, including whether the state's presidential voting history in the preceding three elections was Democratic, mixed, or Republican.
- Among states with Democratic presidential voting histories, eight marijuana legalization ballot measures were approved and one was defeated.
- Among states with Republican presidential voting histories, four marijuana legalization ballot measures were approved and nine were defeated.
- Among states with mixed presidential voting histories, three marijuana legalization ballot measures were approved and one was defeated.
Partisan control of the 15 states approving marijuana legalization measures was Democratic in four states, divided in five states, and Republican in six states. Partisan control of the eight states rejecting marijuana legalization measures was Democratic in one state, mixed in one state, and Republican in six states.
Click "Show" to expand the table.
Political context surrounding recreational marijuana ballot measures since 2010 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
State | Measure | Year | Status | Presidential voting history[16] | State partisan control at time of vote |
California | Proposition 19 | 2010 | ![]() |
Democratic (Gore-Kerry-Obama) | Democratic |
Colorado | Amendment 64 | 2012 | ![]() |
Mixed (Bush-Obama-Obama) | Divided |
Washington | Initiative 502 | 2012 | ![]() |
Democratic (Kerry-Obama-Obama) | Democratic |
Alaska | Measure 2 | 2014 | ![]() |
Republican (Bush-McCain-Romney) | Republican |
Oregon | Measure 91 | 2014 | ![]() |
Democratic (Kerry-Obama-Obama) | Democratic |
Ohio | Issue 3 | 2015 | ![]() |
Mixed (Bush-Obama-Obama) | Republican |
Arizona | Proposition 205 | 2016 | ![]() |
Republican (McCain-Romney-Trump) | Republican |
California | Proposition 64 | 2016 | ![]() |
Democratic (Obama-Obama-Clinton) | Democratic |
Maine | Question 1 | 2016 | ![]() |
Democratic (Obama-Obama-Clinton) | Divided |
Massachusetts | Question 4 | 2016 | ![]() |
Democratic (Obama-Obama-Clinton) | Divided |
Nevada | Question 2 | 2016 | ![]() |
Democratic (Obama-Obama-Clinton) | Republican |
North Dakota | Measure 3 | 2018 | ![]() |
Republican (McCain-Romney-Trump) | Republican |
Michigan | Proposal 1 | 2018 | ![]() |
Mixed (Obama-Obama-Trump) | Republican |
Arizona | Proposition 207 | 2020 | ![]() |
Mixed (Romney-Trump-Biden) | Republican |
Montana | Initiative 190 | 2020 | ![]() |
Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Divided |
New Jersey | Amendment | 2020 | ![]() |
Democratic (Obama-Clinton-Biden) | Democratic |
South Dakota | Amendment A | 2020 | ![]() ![]() |
Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Republican |
Arkansas | Issue 4 | 2022 | Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
Maryland | Question 4 | 2022 | Democratic (Obama-Clinton-Biden) | Divided | |
Missouri | Amendment 3 | 2022 | Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
North Dakota | Measure 2 | 2022 | Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
South Dakota | Measure 27 | 2022 | Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
Oklahoma | State Question 820 | 2023 | Republican (Romney-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
Ohio | Issue 2 | 2023 | Mixed (Obama-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
South Dakota | Initiated Measure 29 | 2024 | Republican (Trump-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
North Dakota | Initiated Measure 5 | 2024 | Republican (Trump-Trump-Trump) | Republican | |
Florida | Amendment 3 | 2024 | Republican (Trump-Trump-Trump) | Republican |
Marijuana laws ballot measuresin 2022
In 2022, five states decided on marijuana legalization ballot measures. In the central U.S., voters in Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota considered citizen-initiated measures to legalize marijuana. In Missouri, the initiative was approved. In Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the measures were defeated. In Maryland, the state Legislature voted to put the issue before voters, who approved the measure.
State | Type | Title | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AR | Issue 4 | Legalize marijuana in Arkansas |
|
392,938 (44%) |
505,128 (56%) |
|
MD | Question 4 | Legalize marijuana in Maryland |
|
1,302,161 (67%) |
635,572 (33%) |
|
MO | Amendment 3 | Legalize marijuana in Missouri |
|
1,092,432 (53%) |
965,020 (47%) |
|
ND | Statutory Measure 2 | Legalize marijuana in North Dakota |
|
107,608 (45%) |
131,192 (55%) |
|
SD | Initiated Measure 27 | Legalize marijuana in South Dakota |
|
163,584 (47%) |
183,879 (53%) |
Path to the ballot
The state process
In North Dakota, the number of signatures required to qualify an initiated state statute for the ballot is equal to 2 percent of the population of the state. North Dakota is unique in using the population to determine signature requirements for initiatives and referendums. Petitioners may circulate a petition for one year following the secretary of state's initial approval. The signatures must be submitted at least 120 days prior to the election.
The requirements to get an initiated state statute certified for the November 2024 ballot:
- Signatures: 15,582
- Deadline: Each initiative has its own signature deadline of one year after it was approved for circulation. The final deadline to submit signatures regardless of a petition's approval date was July 8, 2024.
Once the signatures have been gathered, the secretary of state verifies them using a random sample method. Since North Dakota does not have a voter registration system, the secretary of state may use "questionnaires, postcards, telephone calls, personal interviews, or other accepted information-gathering techniques" to verify the selected signatures.
Details about this initiative
- The initiative was filed by Burleigh County commissioner and former Bismarck mayor Steve Bakken (R).[17]
- New Economic Frontier reported submitting 22,000 signatures on July 8, 2024.
- The initiative was certified for the ballot on August 12, 2024, after the secretary of state determined 18,964 of the signatures submitted for the initiative were valid.[18]
Signature gathering cost
Sponsors of the measure hired HR Solutions and LLC to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $140,158.50 was spent to collect the 15,582 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $8.99.
How to cast a vote
- See also: Voting in North Dakota
See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in North Dakota.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 New Economic Frontier, "Marijuana legalization initiative," accessed June 6, 2024
- ↑ New Economic Frontier, "Why Legalize," accessed September 10, 2024
- ↑ KFGO, "Law enforcement, medical groups oppose marijuana legalization in North Dakota," accessed September 10, 2024
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ Smart Approaches to Marijuana, "MJ Laws Map," accessed June 15, 2022
- ↑ Marijuana Policy Project, "Map of state marijuana laws," accessed June 15, 2022
- ↑ This number does not include South Dakota, where voters approved a marijuana legalization initiative in 2020 that was later struck down by the state's supreme court
- ↑ North Dakota Secretary of State, "Initiated Measure 5 Official Ballot Language," accessed September 2, 2024
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ AP News, "Recreational marijuana backers can gather signatures for North Dakota ballot initiative," accessed June 6, 2024
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 North Dakota Campaign Finance Database, "New Economic Frontier," accessed August 31, 2024
- ↑ Smart Approaches to Marijuana, "MJ Laws Map," accessed June 15, 2022
- ↑ Marijuana Policy Project, "Map of state marijuana laws," accessed June 15, 2022
- ↑ This number does not include South Dakota, where voters approved a marijuana legalization initiative in 2020 that was later struck down by the state's supreme court
- ↑ Prior three elections before and/or including the election at which measure was voted on
- ↑ AP News, "Recreational marijuana backers can gather signatures for North Dakota ballot initiative," accessed June 6, 2024
- ↑ KFYR TV, "Marijuana legalization measure to appear on November ballot," accessed August 12, 2024
- ↑ North Dakota Secretary of State, "Q: What are voting hours in North Dakota?" accessed August 12, 2024
- ↑ Justia, "2023 North Dakota Century Code, 16.1-01-03. Opening and closing of the polls," accessed August 14, 2024
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 North Dakota Secretary of State, “North Dakota….The Only State Without Voter Registration,” accessed April 24, 2023
- ↑ North Dakota Secretary of State, “Voter Registration in North Dakota,” accessed August 12, 2024
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 North Dakota Secretary of State, "ID Requirements for Voting," accessed August 12, 2024
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