North Dakota Legalization On The Ballot

Yesterday, North Dakota’s Secretary of State announced that they will have a chance at legalizing adult-use marijuana as enough valid voter signatures were collected to put the measure on November’s ballot. 

Over 22,000 voter signatures were submitted, according to New Economic Frontier. At least 15,582 valid signatures were required to qualify the proposal and officials validated 18,964 signatures.

Under the new legalization measure, adults 21 years and older would be able to have up to one ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of concentrate and 300 milligrams of edibles that they could purchase from a limited number of licensed dispensaries. Adults would also be allowed to grow up to three plants for personal use with a six-plant limit on each household. 

“The North Dakota 2024 ballot will provide its voters with a third opportunity to legalize the adult-use of cannabis in its state after voters rejected similar measures in 2018 and 2022. Many are hopeful that ‘third time’s a charm’ in this election and that the majority of voters will approve of the statutory measure, which includes home cultivation. Due to its prior rejections, it is now vital the pro-legalization campaign emphasizes the measure’s potential for increasing economic growth and job development, as well as reducing the burden on law enforcement to allow them to more effectively allocate their resources to other crises, such as the fentanyl and opioid epidemics,” said Paula Savchenko, Esq., founding partner of Cannacore Group and PS Law Group.

As an attorney and consultant, Savchenko primarily works in the cannabis and psychedelic industries, working with clients on multi-state expansion initiatives. More specifically, her team’s work involves competitive licensing and regulatory compliance in the cannabis and psychedelic industries. Her success in attaining competitive licenses for her clients comes from having a good understanding of what regulators are looking for, as well as a strong network of contacts in the cannabis industry. 

—--------

Here are 10 fun facts about North Dakota:

Geographical Center of North America: North Dakota is home to the geographical center of North America, which is located in the town of Rugby. A stone monument and flagpole mark the exact spot, making it a notable landmark for visitors.

Low Population Density: North Dakota is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S., with wide-open spaces and large tracts of farmland. It has a population of around 770,000 people, making it the fourth least populous state, despite being the 19th largest in area.

Home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Named after the 26th President of the United States, who had a deep connection to the region, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers stunning badlands, diverse wildlife, and the Little Missouri River. Roosevelt credited his time in North Dakota with inspiring his conservation efforts.

World's Largest Buffalo Monument: In the town of Jamestown, North Dakota, you can find the world's largest buffalo monument, known as "Dakota Thunder." This massive sculpture stands 26 feet tall and 46 feet long, symbolizing the importance of bison to the state's history and culture.

Oil Boom: North Dakota experienced a significant oil boom in the early 21st century due to the Bakken Formation, one of the largest oil-producing regions in the country. The state is now one of the leading oil producers in the U.S., alongside Texas.

Famous for Its Flickertail Squirrels: North Dakota is nicknamed the "Flickertail State" because of the abundance of Richardson's ground squirrels, also known as flickertails, which are common across the prairies. These small rodents are known for their quick, flicking tails.

Lewis and Clark Trail: The famous explorers Lewis and Clark passed through what is now North Dakota during their expedition from 1804 to 1806. The state is home to several historical sites related to their journey, including the Fort Mandan Overlook State Historic Site, where they spent the winter of 1804-1805.

Home to the World's Largest Sandhill Crane: Steele, North Dakota, boasts the world's largest sandhill crane statue, named "Sandy." This 40-foot-tall sculpture celebrates the bird species that migrates through the region every year.

Scandinavian Heritage: North Dakota has a rich Scandinavian heritage, with many residents tracing their ancestry to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The state celebrates this heritage with events like Norsk Høstfest, the largest Scandinavian festival in North America, held annually in Minot.

International Peace Garden: North Dakota shares the International Peace Garden with Manitoba, Canada. Located on the border, this 2,300-acre park symbolizes the peaceful relationship between the U.S. and Canada. It features beautiful floral displays, lakes, and monuments dedicated to peace.

These fun facts highlight the unique geography, culture, and history of North Dakota, making it an interesting state with much to offer.