BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – The North Dakota House has voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana by adults.

The bill only allows the already-established “compassion centers” to sell marijuana, and people would not be allowed to grow their own. Smoking marijuana would also not be allowed in public.

Mandan Republican Representative Todd Porter told the House he likes this approach better that measures to “decriminalize” marijuana possession – because of those controls in place.

Hazen Republican Representative Bill Tveit still didn’t like it.

The bill passed 56 to 38 in the House. It is now being reviewed in the North Dakota Senate.

Bill Actions for HB 1420

Introduced by Rep. Dockter, Becker, Mitskog, Mock, Porter, Roers Jones, M. Ruby
Introduced by Sen. Meyer

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new subsections to section 19‑03.4‑02 and chapter 19‑24.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the personal use of marijuana; to amend and reenact section 19‑03.1‑01, subdivision n of subsection 5 of section 19‑03.1‑05, subsection 1 of section 19‑03.1‑22.2, sections 19‑03.1‑22.3 and 19‑03.1‑23, subsection 1 of section 19‑03.1‑23.1, subsection 12 of section 19‑03.4‑01, sections 19‑03.4‑03 and 19‑03.4‑04, subsection 1 of section 39‑20‑01, section 39‑20‑14, and subsection 12 of section 65‑05‑08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the legalization of marijuana; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; and to provide an effective date.

Date Chamber Meeting Description Journal:
02/23 House Second reading, passed, yeas 56 nays 38 HJ 907