North Dakota: Medical marijuana would see decline if pot legalized

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A state health official says legalizing recreational pot in North Dakota could cut the number of people who are registered to use the drug as medicine by at least 80%, due to easier access to bigger quantities and more varied products. Medical Marijuana Division Director Jason Wahl says thousands of patients holding medical pot cards likely will opt to purchase from recreational sources if the measure is approved. Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in North Dakota succeeded last month (Aug. 2022) in bringing the matter to a public vote. The state has issued more than 8,200 identification cards to qualifying patients since voters approved medical marijuana in 2016.