Advocacy group reports collecting more than 25,000 signatures to qualify cannabis initiative for statewide vote

(Fargo, ND) -- Backers of a ballot measure to legalize cannabis in North Dakota report submitting more than 25,700 signatures to the North Dakota Secretary of State. The signatures are aimed at qualifying the initiative for the statewide general election ballot later this year.

New Approach North Dakota is the campaign spearheading the effort. They began collecting signatures in late April after the committee’s petition was approved for circulation. The minimum number of signatures needed to qualify for the ballot is 15,582. 

“So many people I spoke to were excited to sign our petition, strongly supporting the initiative for a wide variety of reasons. Having practiced criminal law for more than 20 years, and as a former police officer, it is obvious the status quo of arresting adults for small amounts of marijuana doesn’t make our communities any safer — it only wastes limited law enforcement and court resources. I’m looking forward to presenting the facts about this issue to more and more voters as November approaches," said Mark Friese, the treasurer for New Approach North Dakota. 
ic team of signature gatherers. We’re looking forward to all of our hard work paying off when we receive the official word that we’re on the ballot.” 

If the initiative qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it will permit adults 21 and older to possess limited amounts of cannabis and purchase products from registered cannabis establishments in North Dakota.