Earlier today, the North Dakota House of Representatives approved two pieces of legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adults 21 and older.
The proposals were introduced by Republican lawmakers who say they personally oppose legalization but are seeking to prevent a more permissive law from being enacted by voters via the 2022 ballot.
House Bill 1420 would permit adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, while home cultivation would be prohibited. The legislation directs the North Dakota State Health Council to adopt rules for implementing legal sales through a maximum of 18 state-licensed dispensaries by February 1, 2022. House lawmakers also approved House Bill 1501, which would impose a 10% tax on cultivators and a 15% tax on dispensary sales.
Both bills now head to the Senate. Gov. Doug Burgum has not indicated whether he would sign or veto the measures.
Stay tuned for more updates on the progression of marijuana policy reform legislation!