North Dakota Sheriffs oppose decriminalizing marijuana in legislative committee hearing

In a heated session of the North Dakota Senate Judiciary Committee on April 7, 2025, lawmakers grappled with the contentious issue of marijuana decriminalization, ultimately leaning towards a "do not pass" recommendation for Bill 1596. The bill aimed to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, a move that has faced significant opposition from law enforcement representatives.

Danelle Presky, executive director of the North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association, testified against the bill, emphasizing that it would represent a significant policy shift contrary to the wishes of North Dakota voters. "Voters have said they don't want that," Presky stated, arguing that the bill would equate the treatment of underage marijuana use with underage alcohol consumption, which she deemed problematic.

The committee's discussions revealed a split among senators. Some, like Senator Castaneda, expressed support for the do not pass motion, citing the need to respect voter sentiment. Others, including Senator Brownberger, argued for a more progressive approach, highlighting the dangers of alcohol compared to marijuana and advocating for a change in how the law treats minor marijuana offenses.

Senator Cory raised concerns about the clogged court system, suggesting that decriminalization could alleviate some of the burden on legal processes. However, the prevailing sentiment among committee members seemed to favor maintaining the current legal framework, with several senators echoing the belief that the voters had clearly rejected decriminalization in previous measures.

As the committee moved towards a decision, the debate underscored the ongoing tension between law enforcement perspectives and evolving public attitudes towards marijuana use in North Dakota. The outcome of this discussion could have lasting implications for future legislative efforts surrounding drug policy in the state.