Groups announce opposition to recreational marijuana

Some North Dakota health care and law enforcement organizations announced this week their opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana.

In a joint news release, North Dakota’s Medical Association, Hospital Association, Peace Officers Association, Chiefs of Police Association and Sheriffs and Deputies Association stated they have come together to oppose the cannabis measure, known as Measure 5 on the November ballot.

“Don’t buy into the argument that legalization of recreational marijuana will free up law enforcement to focus on more serious crime,” Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said in a statement. “In fact, quite the opposite will happen. Legalization will lead to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities.”

The North Dakota Medical Association emphasized health risks of the measure.

“Studies have shown that frequent use of marijuana is associated with the development of substance use disorders, impaired cognitive function, cancer, and mental health issues such as anxiety, psychosis and depression,” Dr. Stephanie Dahl, president of the North Dakota Medical Association, said in a statement.

https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/09/10/law-enforcement-health-care-groups-announce-opposition-to-recreational-marijuana/