Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
A highly anticipated comprehensive medical marijuana bill did not make Monday's deadline for being introduced, so it will instead be filed as a delayed bill, according to North Dakota's Senate majority leader.
The 82-page bill is still being finalized and needs to be reviewed by the attorney general's office and the North Dakota Department of Health.
"We're going to get it in as soon as we possibly can," said Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson.
Monday at 5 p.m. was the deadline for members of the Senate to introduce bills; just over three dozen got in.
The medical marijuana item will have to be introduced as a delayed bill. Wardner said his hope is that it will be ready within a few days or so.
In November, nearly 64 percent of North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in the state.
Wardner said this is not an effort to ignore the people's vote, but to have a properly crafted bill to consider.
"We need to get it right," he said.
Lawmakers and state officials had concerns over how to set up and operate such a program as passed by the voters.
"It's going to be manageable. Before, it wouldn't have been manageable," Wardner said.
Last week, both legislative chambers passed Senate Bill 2154, laying the groundwork for the main medical marijuana bill.
SB2154 suspended the requirement for the health department to process applications for medical marijuana dispensaries and to issue certificates of registration. The suspension is to last through July 31 or until the Legislature passes a full medical marijuana regulations bill this session, whichever comes first.
The law passed by the voters allows people to possess up to 3 ounces of medical marijuana for treatment of up to nearly a dozen medical conditions. Facilities for medical marijuana distribution would be licensed by the state health department and be operated by nonprofit organizations. Those living more than 40 miles from a licensed facility would be able to grow up to eight marijuana plants after providing notification to law enforcement, as long as they're grown in an enclosed facility.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Rules To Be Considered In Delayed Bill
Author: Nick Smith
Contact: (701) 223-2500
Photo Credit: Mike McCleary
Website: The Bismarck Tribune
The 82-page bill is still being finalized and needs to be reviewed by the attorney general's office and the North Dakota Department of Health.
"We're going to get it in as soon as we possibly can," said Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson.
Monday at 5 p.m. was the deadline for members of the Senate to introduce bills; just over three dozen got in.
The medical marijuana item will have to be introduced as a delayed bill. Wardner said his hope is that it will be ready within a few days or so.
In November, nearly 64 percent of North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in the state.
Wardner said this is not an effort to ignore the people's vote, but to have a properly crafted bill to consider.
"We need to get it right," he said.
Lawmakers and state officials had concerns over how to set up and operate such a program as passed by the voters.
"It's going to be manageable. Before, it wouldn't have been manageable," Wardner said.
Last week, both legislative chambers passed Senate Bill 2154, laying the groundwork for the main medical marijuana bill.
SB2154 suspended the requirement for the health department to process applications for medical marijuana dispensaries and to issue certificates of registration. The suspension is to last through July 31 or until the Legislature passes a full medical marijuana regulations bill this session, whichever comes first.
The law passed by the voters allows people to possess up to 3 ounces of medical marijuana for treatment of up to nearly a dozen medical conditions. Facilities for medical marijuana distribution would be licensed by the state health department and be operated by nonprofit organizations. Those living more than 40 miles from a licensed facility would be able to grow up to eight marijuana plants after providing notification to law enforcement, as long as they're grown in an enclosed facility.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Rules To Be Considered In Delayed Bill
Author: Nick Smith
Contact: (701) 223-2500
Photo Credit: Mike McCleary
Website: The Bismarck Tribune
