In 2015, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted down House Bill 1430, a bipartisan measure introduced by Rep. Pamela Anderson of Fargo that would have established a comprehensive medical marijuana program. After the vote, Rep. Gail Mooney suggested it would be appropriate to study medical cannabis, but that idea was also declined, at which point she noted it could prompt citizens to take up the issue via initiated petition.
That comment inspired a group of patients and advocates who had testified in support of House Bill 1430 to begin the process of placing a measure on the state ballot. Frustrated by the legislature's inaction, they decided to take action to ensure North Dakotans suffering from debilitating medical conditions would have safe and legal access to medical cannabis if their doctors believe it will be an effective treatment.
On December 1, 2015, a group of dedicated volunteers began gathering signatures in support of the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act. On July 11, 2016, the committee submitted 18,011 signatures to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger, and on August 12, he announced the initiative would appear on the November 2016 ballot as Measure 5.
Measure 5 will create a tightly controlled program that allows patients with qualifying conditions to access medical cannabis from state-licensed compassion centers if their doctors recommend it. In addition to having a qualifying condition for which they are likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from medical marijuana, patients must have a bona fide relationship with the doctor in order to receive a recommendation. Patient who live further than 40 miles from a compassion center will be able to grow up to eight marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked facility. Click here for a more detailed summary of Measure 5, a list of qualifying medical conditions, and the full text of the initiative.
While patients in 25 other states have access to medical marijuana, North Dakota patients are prohibited from accessing it despite a mountain of evidence demonstrating it is an effective medicine that is safer than most prescription drugs.
As Election Day draws closer, we need your help to educate voters about why they should vote "YES" on Measure 5. If you are interested in supporting this important effort, please contact us to find out about volunteer opportunities or visit our Contribute page to make a donation.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time, money and talents to this truly grassroots effort.
That comment inspired a group of patients and advocates who had testified in support of House Bill 1430 to begin the process of placing a measure on the state ballot. Frustrated by the legislature's inaction, they decided to take action to ensure North Dakotans suffering from debilitating medical conditions would have safe and legal access to medical cannabis if their doctors believe it will be an effective treatment.
On December 1, 2015, a group of dedicated volunteers began gathering signatures in support of the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act. On July 11, 2016, the committee submitted 18,011 signatures to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger, and on August 12, he announced the initiative would appear on the November 2016 ballot as Measure 5.
Measure 5 will create a tightly controlled program that allows patients with qualifying conditions to access medical cannabis from state-licensed compassion centers if their doctors recommend it. In addition to having a qualifying condition for which they are likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from medical marijuana, patients must have a bona fide relationship with the doctor in order to receive a recommendation. Patient who live further than 40 miles from a compassion center will be able to grow up to eight marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked facility. Click here for a more detailed summary of Measure 5, a list of qualifying medical conditions, and the full text of the initiative.
While patients in 25 other states have access to medical marijuana, North Dakota patients are prohibited from accessing it despite a mountain of evidence demonstrating it is an effective medicine that is safer than most prescription drugs.
As Election Day draws closer, we need your help to educate voters about why they should vote "YES" on Measure 5. If you are interested in supporting this important effort, please contact us to find out about volunteer opportunities or visit our Contribute page to make a donation.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time, money and talents to this truly grassroots effort.