BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Supporters of legalizing recreational cannabis in North Dakota have succeeded in bringing the matter to a public vote later in 2018.
Republican Secretary of State Al Jaeger says proponents submitted more than enough valid petition signatures to get a measure on the November 2018 general election ballot.
Supporters needed to submit about 13,500 valid signatures. They had more than 14,600.
The proposal seeks to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older, and also seal the records of anyone convicted of a marijuana-related crime that would be made legal under the measure.
Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana failed on a petition drive in 2016.
That same year, North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana. Initiated Statutory Measure 5 passed with nearly 64 percent of the vote. The state Health Department is setting up a system for the drug.