Bismarck, ND – April 16, 2024 – Earlier today, a group of 27 North Dakotans filed a 2024 ballot measure petition to legalize adult-use cannabis in North Dakota. New Economic Frontier, the committee for the measure, is dedicated to promoting transparency and providing accurate information.
The proposal would allow adults 21 and older to possess small amounts of cannabis and purchase products from registered cannabis establishments in North Dakota. To qualify for the November ballot, 15,582 signatures must be gathered from eligible North Dakota voters by July 8th, 2024.
Mark Friese, a Fargo-based criminal defense attorney, shared the following sentiment:
“As an attorney, former police officer, and lifelong resident of North Dakota, I have seen how criminalizing cannabis drains resources from law enforcement and clogs our courts. This measure is a conservative and sensible approach to legalization that I am confident will benefit our state.”
This measure will have a positive impact on North Dakota in various ways. Legalizing cannabis has the potential to significantly boost our state’s economy by creating jobs and generating revenue.
With the United States cannabis industry projecting $38.4 billion in revenue in 2024 and supporting over 400,000 jobs, increased tax revenue in adult-use states has provided funding for local schools, organizations, and programs, benefiting residents and communities. Legalization also stimulates economic development and diversifies income streams, contributing to long-term prosperity for North Dakota.
Casey Neumann, CEO of local businesses Pure Dakota and Pure Dakota Health, made the following statement:
“I’ve seen how medical marijuana can help North Dakotans battling things like cancer, anxiety, and chronic pain. This makes it easier for our neighbors to access cannabis for their medicinal needs, but also will benefit our state as a whole through its taxation.
The positive economic impact alone is a key reason why all North Dakotans should vote yes. Legalizing cannabis paves the way for a more prosperous future for our state.”
Additional benefits of legalizing adult-use cannabis include, but are not limited to:
- Allowing law enforcement to focus on serious or violent crimes, enhancing public safety and saving taxpayer money.
- Ensuring that cannabis products are regulated, undergoing thorough testing for potency and screening for contaminants.
- Removing obstacles for veterans and individuals with medical conditions who cannot access medical marijuana.
Steve Bakken is a radio host, Burleigh County Commissioner, and former mayor of Bismarck. He’s the chair of the initiated measure’s sponsoring committee. He provided the following statement:
“Cannabis legalization is coming, and it’s coming fast. We’ve got a choice here – let out-of-state interests call the shots, or take the lead ourselves. We’ve carefully crafted this initiative right here in North Dakota, making sure it fits what our community really needs. Let’s embrace this opportunity the North Dakota way, with common sense and local input guiding the way.”
New Economic Frontier remains committed to open communication throughout this process. They are confident in the public’s ability to evaluate the facts and make an informed decision about legalization. For further inquiries or clarifications, please contact us at info@neweconomicfrontier.com.