(KNOX) – On Monday August 12, 2024, The North Dakota Secretary of State approved the initiated measure legalizing recreational marijuana for the November 5, 2024, election ballot.
“The people of North Dakota soundly rejected the idea of recreational marijuana in 2018 and 2022, but here they are again,” said Patrick Finken, chair of the Brighter Future Alliance. “Apparently, the supporters of Measure 5 won’t take no for an answer and are intent to inflict their poison on the people of North Dakota.”
Dr. Joan Connell, a Bismarck based Board Certified Pediatrician commented, “I am not in favor of legalizing yet another substance that sabotages the brain’s normal development. I am disappointed that some people would prioritize business and profits over what is best for North Dakotans. Perhaps they are unaware of the research documenting how chronic marijuana users have relationship problems, less academic success, lower career achievement, and less life satisfaction. Recreational marijuana is the LAST thing we need in our state.”
“When you look at other states with legal recreational marijuana it’s easy to see the detrimental impacts it has caused. Legalized marijuana increases crime, increases DUIs and increases illegal drug trafficking of harder drugs,” explains Burleigh County Sherriff Kelly Leben. “In fact, with more users, illegal sales increase, not decrease. 80% of California marijuana sales are on the black market. Are these really outcomes we want for North Dakota?”
“The addiction industry is unwavering in its efforts to prey on North Dakotans, especially young people, with today’s high-potency marijuana and THC drugs. If passed, Measure 5 would unquestionably result in more youth using THC drugs, more drugged driving fatalities, more marijuana-related emergency room visits, and countless adverse physical and mental health effects. On multiple occasions over the past six years North Dakotans have soundly rejected marijuana commercialization. They will certainly do the same again this November,” said Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a leading national drug policy expert.
The Brighter Future Alliance is leading the effort to defeat Measure 5. The mission of BFA is to advance the common good and general welfare of the citizens of North Dakota. According to Finken, “the legalization of recreational marijuana poses a serious threat to the safety and health of our citizens, our children’s future, and our entire society. We encourage all voters to again reject this measure and vote NO on Measure 5 on November 5.”
For more information on the impacts of recreational marijuana, click here: SAM Impact Report
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