Plain Talk: Legalize ND Spokesman Doesn’t See Rival Ballot Measure as Competition
David Owen of Grand Forks is the chairman of Legalize ND, the group behind Measure 3. If approved by voters, the measure would legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota. David Samson / The Forum
“Their sponsoring committee looks more like a penitentiary,” David Owen told me, referring to the number of serious crimes members of that committee have been convicted of.
“They aren’t going to be competitive,” he added. “Supposedly they’re going on the primary ballot. I don’t think they’ll make it.”
[mks_pullquote align=”left” width=”300″ size=”24″ bg_color=”#ffffff” txt_color=”#000000″]”Their sponsoring committee looks more like a penitentiary,” David Owen told me, referring to the number of serious crimes members of that committee have been convicted of.[/mks_pullquote]
Organizers of that measure, which would amend the state constitution, would have to collect over 26,000 signatures and file them before the June primary election next year to make it. They could also opt for the November ballot.
During the 2018 cycle Legalize ND earned over 40 percent of the vote for a statutory measure representing a broad legalization of marijuana. During the interview Owen detailed the changes his group is making to earn more votes. He said there would be no unlimited growth of marijuana allowed, and no growing marijuana at home. He also said there would be permitting requirements as well as a “track and trace” program. Expungement of past marijuana-related convictions would not be a part of this measure, as it was last year’s, and this measure would let local jurisdictions opt out of legalization.
Owen said this new measure is “not so libertarian” but is perhaps something that can pass.
Also on this episode, a response to a labor leader who thinks cops using their uniforms for political purposes is protected free speech.
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