BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – Several North Dakota law enforcement organizations have come out against Measure 2, which would legalize recreational marijuana in the state.
The North Dakota Sheriff’s and Deputies Association, Police Chief’s Association, and Peace Officers Association said they want to raise awareness of the harmful effects the legalization of recreational marijuana has already had in other states.
Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben said with more users, illegal sales actually increase.
“When you look at other states with legal recreational marijuana, it’s easy to see the detrimental impacts it has caused,” Leben said. “Legalized marijuana increases crime, increases DUIs, and increases illegal drug trafficking of harder drugs. Are these really outcomes we want for North Dakota?”
Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said the argument that legalizing recreational marijuana frees up officers to focus on more serious crime is not true.
“If that were true, why would law enforcement associations come out opposed to this measure?” Ziegler asked. “The many states that already have legalized marijuana are only now realizing the huge social cost. North Dakota voters can put a stop to this by voting ‘no.’”
In a joint statement, Leban and Ziegler accused supporters of Measure 2 of “not telling the truth about the damaging consequences of legal recreational marijuana use.” They argue that Marijuana is different today and said it is a gateway drug that leads to users becoming addicted, or using harder, more illicit drugs.
“Marijuana use is not safe, like proponents want you to believe,” Healthy and Productive North Dakota Chair Kristie Spooner said. “Marijuana can cause psychosis and a host of other mental health issues. We already have a mental health crisis in North Dakota, we don’t need to add to it.”
The law enforcement associations join the Greater North Dakota Chamber, North Dakota Petroleum Council, Lignite Energy Council, and North Dakota Catholic Council in opposing the measure.
Comments