North Dakotans likely to vote again on marijuana

It’s likely North Dakota voters will get an opportunity to vote on some form of marijuana legalization in the November 2020 election. The shape of any ballot measure will be decided over the next few months.

David Owen, chairman of Legalize ND, which spearheaded the 2018 failed measure, held a recent organizational meeting. Owen said whether the Legislature approves a marijuana decriminalization bill will help determine how a ballot measure is written. An amendment recently passed by the Senate 37-10 seeks decriminalization for possession of under a half-ounce of marijuana and for marijuana paraphernalia, while calling for an interim study on marijuana laws in the state. Owen favors decriminalization for under an ounce and allowing people to grow a few of their own plants for medical or recreational use.

The Tribune Editorial Board has opposed full legalization of marijuana. At the same time, the Tribune has favored some decriminalization of marijuana such as eliminating jail sentences for small amounts of marijuana. The Tribune isn’t ready to take a position on any proposed measure until Legalize ND writes it. The Tribune wouldn’t support the total legalization of the drug. The Legislature will likely decide this month on the decriminalization effort. [Read more at The Bismarck Tribune]