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Members of the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly today to advanced legislation significantly reducing marijuana possession penalties.
House Bill 1596 reduces penalties involving the possession of up to one-half ounce of cannabis to a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil fine of no more than $150. Under current law, low-level marijuana possession is only partially decriminalized. While offenders do not face the risk of jail time, they continue to face fines of up to $1,000 and a criminal record.
The bill also partially decriminalizes activities involving the possession of more than one-half ounce but less than 100 grams. Existing law penalizes such offenses by up to 30 days in jail.
In 2023, more than 40 percent of all drug-related arrests in North Dakota were marijuana-related.
“The ongoing criminalization of marijuana is a terribly destructive policy that adversely impacts thousands of North Dakotans annually,” NORML opines in a legislative action alert supporting the bill. “Minor marijuana possession offenders should not be saddled with an arrest, a criminal record, and with the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it.”
The measure now awaits action from the state Senate. If approved, the reduced penalties would take effect on August 1, 2025.
NORML’s action alert in support of HB 1596 and a state-by-state guide to pending marijuana legislation are available from NORML’s Take Action Center.
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