[4] Two groups attempted to put marijuana legalization measures on the June 2020 Primary and the November 2020 elections, but were prevented from doing so by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the House Human Services Committee stated: “We just felt that the concerns and the risks at this point in time outweigh the potential benefits … for a small group that feels that none of the currently available drugs work".
[10] Following the bill's failure, a Fargo resident began the process of preparing a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana for the 2016 general election.
[12] In 2017, both houses of the state legislature passed changes to Measure 5, including removal of a provision allowing medical users to grow their own marijuana.
As of July 10, 2018, the North Dakota Department of Health has opened an application window for medical cannabis dispensary licenses in the Bismarck and Fargo areas.
[15] In May 2018, Pure Dakota LLC and Grassroots Cannabis were selected to run the two manufacturing facilities allowed under the program's rules.
[17] In May 2019, Governor Doug Burgum signed HB 1050, which eliminated the threat of jail time for adults over 21 that possess up to half an ounce of cannabis, although the maximum allowable fine was not modified.
[20] The initiative would allow adults 21 years or older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, four grams of concentrate, and grow up to three plants for personal use.