A bill that would legalize marijuana in North Dakota, dubbed HB 1420, has advanced through a House committee this week.
The bill, which is being sponsored by a Republican lawmaker who personally opposed the policy change, would allow adults 21 and older to possess and purchase up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use. Home cultivation would not be allowed.
The House Human Services Committee narrowly approved the bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Dockter (R), in a 7-6 vote. There was one abstention.
The bill is now expected to go to the Appropriations Committee before potentially receiving floor consideration.
The legalization legislation calls for legal cannabis sales to begin on July 1, 2022.
This week the lower chamber also voted 63-31 on Thursday to send House Bill 1391 to the Senate.
This proposal would allow North Dakota’s 4,600 registered medical marijuana patients to buy lozenges containing up to 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol.
Similar legislation failed by just a few votes in 2019.
