Legislative Study

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, committee, I am Jody Vetter, chairperson of the ND for Freedom of Act, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you today.

ND for Freedom of is a constitutional amendment written by attorney David Thompson at the request of the ND Cannabis Caucus. The ND Cannabis Caucus is a coalition formed by three political action committees; The Committee for Compassionate Care, Real ND News, and ND Veterans for Safe Access to Cannabis. These pacs lobbied for reforms as well as cannabis decriminalization during the 2019 legislative session. While we did make some headway in both the medical program and lowering possession of small amounts of cannabis to an infraction, that simply is not enough. ND for freedom of Cannabis Act would give adults 21 years of age or older the personal freedom to consume, possess, grow, process or transport up to twelve cannabis plants, with six or fewer being mature. Cannabis accessories as well as cannabis-infused products would be permitted. This is for personal use only. Cannabis can be transferred among legal age adults without remuneration. Cannabis is not allowed to be openly consumed in public. From the late 1800's until the 1930's, cannabis was considered a benign, medically efficacious substance. Moving into the reefer madness era, cannabis was deemed such danger to society only prohibition could save it. That propaganda continued straight into the Controlled Substances Act. Since that time in addition to health impacts, the prohibition of cannabis has had significant impacts on criminal justice. The over prosecution of cannabis has had negative economic, health, and safety impacts. Ending prohibition will address these social justice issues. Eleven states, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam have AaJre legalized cannabis for adult use, all but Vermont and D.C. permit commercial sale. Four states have constitutional protections for cannabis. It is time cannabis is taken out of the failed war on drugs. ND for Freedom of Cannabis Act calls on the legislature to prescribe the law to license and regulate commercial sales of cannabis in North Dakota. It would also be unlawful to sell cannabis or grow cannabis to be sold or sell cannabis infused products without obtaining the proper license required. Much of the impact of a regulated cannabis program is contingent on program implementation. The prohibition of cannabis has not curbed teen use. Eighty to ninety percent of American 18 year olds have consistently reported that cannabis is "very easy" or "fairly easy" to obtain since the 1970's. The positive effects of a regulated cannabis market outweigh potential negative impacts. DUI rates overall have declined in Colorado and Washington since legalization. The majority of individuals who use cannabis do not try other illicit substances. Cannabis should be viewed as a healing plant not a dangerous drug. Areas of legalization that may be a cause for concern can be mitigated with regulation and proper use of public education. I am happy to answer any questions.