BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A statutory measure related to the legalization and regulation of cannabis will appear on North Dakota’s November 5, 2024, General Election ballot, following a successful petition drive, a media release states.

Secretary of State Michael Howe’s office reviewed the petitions, submitted on July 8, 2024, and found 18,964 valid signatures—3,382 more than the 15,582 required to qualify the measure for the ballot. Out of the 22,384 signatures submitted, 3,420 were rejected due to issues such as inadequate signatures, out-of-state addresses, missing dates, circulator errors, and address omissions.

Designated as Measure 5, the proposed initiative seeks to create a new chapter of the North Dakota Century Code. If approved, it would legalize the production, processing, sale, and personal use of cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older. The measure would also establish a state-regulated framework for cannabis businesses and their employees, protect adult cannabis users, impose penalties for violations, and uphold certain employer rights regarding cannabis use by employees. Additionally, it would override local ordinances that prohibit cannabis-related activities and direct that fees collected be used for administering the new regulations.