Clearing The Air

Discover the Facts About Adult-Use Cannabis

What is New Economic Frontier?

New Economic Frontier is a ballot measure committee supporting a statutory initiative to legalize cannabis for adults in North Dakota.

What will this measure allow?

Adults 21 and older will be able to use cannabis at home without punishment – allowing possession of up to 1 oz of cannabis, 4g of concentrate, 300mg in edibles, and the ability to grow 3 plants per person over the age of 21 with a limit of 6 plants per household. These limits are more conservative in comparison to the surrounding adult-use states, such as Montana and Minnesota. This is to ensure safety is always at the forefront.

You can read the full measure here.

What limitations apply to the use of adult-use cannabis under this measure?

While the measure will allow for adult use, there are still limitations. Some of the places adult-use cannabis cannot be used are, but are not limited to:

Any public place, including an indoor or outdoor area used by, or open to, the general public, or on any form of public transportation
Where smoking is otherwise prohibited
Where smoke or vapor could be inhaled by a minor
While behind the wheel of a car or boat

Will there be an economic impact on our community?

Legalizing cannabis can potentially have a significant impact on our community’s economy by creating jobs and generating revenue. In 2021, the cannabis industry supported over 428,000 jobs in the United States, with potential for up to 1.75 million workers. This growth stimulates economic development and diversifies income streams, contributing to long-term prosperity.

Additionally, tax revenue in adult-use states has provided funding for various essential areas; examples would be:

General funds: Contributing to flexible funds for state redistribution or unforeseen needs like emergency funds could ensure that the state is prepared to respond to unexpected crises or urgent situations, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.
Healthcare: Supporting state Medicare, Medicaid, and specific programs such as mental health initiatives could improve access to quality healthcare services for residents, especially those in underserved communities. This could include funding for mental health awareness campaigns, counseling services, and treatment programs.
Substance abuse education and rehabilitation: Reinvesting revenue into state-level programs for prevention, reduction, recovery, and education could address substance abuse issues within the community. This funding could support outreach programs, addiction treatment centers, and educational initiatives aimed at preventing substance abuse among young people.
Law enforcement: Investing in state police forces to bolster community safety and meet operational requirements to lead to improved law enforcement capabilities, enhanced public safety measures, and better response times to emergencies. This could also support community policing initiatives that build trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
Education: Allocating a portion of revenues to state-run public schools to bolster the care of our future through various programs including after school programs.
Local government: Reallocating a share of revenue to local jurisdictions for specific community needs to empower local governments to address unique challenges and invest in infrastructure projects, public services, and community development programs tailored to the needs of their residents.

How many states have legalized adult-use cannabis?

Adult-use cannabis has been legalized in 24 states including Washington DC. With the exception of Maryland and Virginia, these states have also implemented regulations for sales and taxation of cannabis. Momentum for adult-use legalization is growing in 2024, with states like Florida, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Hawaii, and South Dakota considering similar measures.

How is the 2024 measure different than the attempted measure in 2022?

The 2024 measure builds upon the foundation of the 2022 efforts, with several key differences:

Increased allotment for cannabinoid products: Unlike the previous measure, which specified a limit of 500 mg, the 2024 proposal allows for up to 1500 mg. This adjustment maintains a conservative approach while accommodating products such as topicals and tinctures currently in our medical market.
Sensible restrictions on home cultivation: The new measure imposes limits on the number of plants per household and requires written permission for renters, enhancing accountability and safety.
Updates to regulations for cannabis businesses: Adjustments have been made to registration fees and formalities to reflect changes since 2022, ensuring alignment with contemporary practices and standards.
Integration of state funds: The 2024 measure combines funds for adult-use and medical marijuana programs, a practice common in other states. This streamlines tracking and reporting on funds from cannabis sales.

How many signatures are needed to qualify for the ballot?

To qualify for the November ballot, our campaign needed 15,582 signatures from eligible North Dakota voters. We are thrilled to announce that we have collected and surpassed the required number of signatures and are currently awaiting approval from the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office.

When can I vote on this?

Election Day is on November 5, 2024. To vote, you must meet the following qualifications:

Be a U.S. Citizen
Be at least eighteen (18) years old
Be a North Dakota resident
Have been a resident in the precinct for at least thirty (30) days preceding any election

If you meet these qualifications, you can visit your local polling place to cast your vote. If you’re unsure of your polling location or need information on early voting or absentee ballots, you can contact the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office or visit their website for detailed instructions.

Does legalizing cannabis create more problems?

No. Residents who live in legalization states overwhelmingly think the policy is a success. Additionally, no state that has adopted legalization has later decided to reverse course.

For a comprehensive and data-driven assessment of the impacts of cannabis legalization in other states, read Cato Institute’s “The Effect of State Marijuana Legalizations: 2021 Update.”

How can legalizing cannabis help in addressing social equity and criminal justice issues?

Legalization can help address disparities in enforcement and has been found to reduce arrests for minor offenses and specific crimes. In fact, the number of federal cannabis prisoners has dropped by 61% since states began legalizing cannabis. Additionally, research has indicated positive effects on public safety, including reductions in violent and property crime rates, drug-related arrests, and improvements in crime clearance rates.

What about concerns regarding impaired driving and public safety?

Adult-use legalization has shown no elevated risk of total or pedestrian-involved fatal motor vehicle crashes and no apparent increase in the incidence of driving under the influence.

Doesn’t North Dakota have a medical marijuana program?

While our state does have medical marijuana laws and a program in place, many people encounter obstacles in accessing medical marijuana. From locating a provider who is willing to prescribe to the effort required to establish a strong patient-doctor relationship, individuals may lack the time or resources to access to medical marijuana. Moreover, despite its many therapeutic benefits, some individuals hesitate to seek medical marijuana treatment due to concerns about legal consequences if cannabis remains illegal. Legalizing adult-use cannabis can eliminate these barriers and provide safe, regulated access to cannabis for medical purposes. This can lead to better health outcomes and promote safer cannabis use through public education and quality control measures. Additionally, legalization has the potential to spur increased research into the medical applications of cannabis, potentially leading to the development of innovative treatments.

What about the concerns of underage usage or access to cannabis products among minors?

States like Colorado, which have legalized adult-use cannabis, have not seen significant changes in youth usage. Enforcing dispensary age restrictions, penalizing those who provide cannabis to minors, and promoting responsible adult use can prioritize youth well-being while regulating adult access.

How will legalizing cannabis impact healthcare and opioid use?

Studies suggest that legalizing cannabis could decrease opioid use and related deaths. With medical marijuana and easier access to safe cannabis, there’s a potential alternative for pain management, which may lessen reliance on opioids and help combat the opioid crisis. Additionally, areas with more medical and recreational dispensaries have shown a correlation in decreased opioid-related death rates, particularly from synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

What about workplace safety and productivity concerns?

Studies have found that after-work cannabis use does not relate to any of the workplace performance dimensions or an increase in workplace injury risk. Much like alcohol use, employers should and can enforce clear guidelines regarding cannabis use during work hours while respecting employees’ rights in states where cannabis is legal.

How can I support the campaign?

There are many ways you can show your support for this measure – here are just a few!

Sign up to receive future updates and communications about the measure.
Request and display a free yard sign.
Educate family and friends by using the FAQs on this page to help address common misconceptions.

How will this measure affect schools and higher education in our state?

This measure aims to legalize adult-use cannabis, allowing individuals aged 21 and older to possess and consume it privately at home. However, it’s crucial to understand that using or possessing cannabis on school premises will still be against laws and school policies that protect education environments. Additionally, underage use will remain illegal, with strict measures in place to prevent minors from accessing cannabis.