North Dakota lags behind neighbors on marijuana policies
North Dakota’s eastern neighbor stopped jailing adults for simple possession of marijuana back in 1976, while its neighbor to the west has had a medical marijuana law for nearly a decade. But in North Dakota, marijuana users — including those using marijuana to treat debilitating pain or the effects of cancer — are still branded criminals.
Last year, it looked like relief for North Dakota’s medical marijuana patients was finally in sight. North Dakotans for Compassionate Care submitted more than 20,000 signatures to give voters the opportunity to vote on a well-regulated medical marijuana program in November 2012. Sadly, the initiative’s chance on the ballot was snatched away after 11 petitioners allegedly faked more than 7,000 signatures, defrauding the campaign.
Now, it’s up to legislators to stand up for compassionate and sensible policies. Ask your legislators to support protecting patients who use marijuana according to their doctors’ recommendations.
If you support reform and are a medical professional, a seriously ill patient who might benefit from medical marijuana, a law enforcement official, a clergy member, or a member of the legal community, or you know someone else that is, please email state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help. Please include your address or nine-digit ZIP code.
ACLU study shows North Dakota’s harsh marijuana laws result in racially disproportionate arrest rates
North Dakota has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country. First offense possession of even a single joint is punishable by up to a year in prison and up to a $2,000 fine.
A 2013 study by the American Civil Liberties Union found that although blacks and whites use marijuana at nearly identical rates, blacks in North Dakota are 4.4 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana possession.
Please take a moment to send a letter to your legislators asking them to reduce the penalty for possession of marijuana to a civil fine or ask them to end marijuana prohibition entirely.
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