BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — A number of North Dakota health care and law enforcement groups have come out in opposition to Measure 5 on the November General Election ballot.

Measure 5 would legalize the growth and use of marijuana in North Dakota and require the state to establish regulations for the production and distribution of marijuana.

According to the measure, individuals could possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana flower, four grams of cannabinoid concentrate, 1,500mg of THC in the form of cannabinoid products, and 300mg of edibles. Individuals would be allowed to grow three plants with a limit of six plants per household.

One organization opposed to Measure 5, the Brighter Future Alliance, says medical and law enforcement groups are opposed to the measure primarily for what they see as negative impacts on public safety and health, among other concerns.

“The North Dakota Medical Association, North Dakota Hospital Association, North Dakota Peace Officers Association, Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota, and North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association are all opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana (cannabis) in our state,” says Patrick Finken, chair of the Brighter Future Alliance. “Their members have a clear understanding of the disastrous impact on health and public safety stemming from legalization. We encourage all voters to again reject this measure and vote NO on Measure 5 on November 5.”

Measure 5 is the third attempt to legalize marijuana in North Dakota through the initiated measure process. Similar measures were proposed and defeated during elections in 2018 and 2022.

Among the reasons why they’re opposing Measure 5, according to spokespeople for various North Dakota groups:

“Marijuana use is not without risk. 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. Marijuana legalization is also associated with more suicides, opioid use, and drug overdoses.” — Stephanie Dahl, President of the North Dakota Medical Association

“Instead of legalizing marijuana, we should focus on prevention, education, and providing adequate resources for those who need help with substance use and mental health issues. We continue to experience an epidemic in terms of behavioral health issues in our communities and the health and safety of our community must come first.” — Tim Blasl, President of the North Dakota Hospital Association

“Don’t buy into the argument that legalization of recreational marijuana will free up law enforcement to focus on more serious crime. In fact, quite the opposite will happen. Legalization will lead to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. And the legalization of recreational marijuana will not eliminate the illegal sale of marijuana, causing law enforcement to focus their efforts on black-market sales.” — Jason Ziegler, Mandan Chief of Police

“The legalization of recreational marijuana will lead to increased adult use, access, and normalization of its use, but the increase will not be limited to adults only. States that have legalized recreational marijuana have also seen a dramatic increase in youth drug use compared to non-legalized states.” — Kelly Leben, Burleigh County Sheriff

Other groups opposed to Measure 5 include the North Dakota Petroleum Council, the Association of General Contractors, North Dakota Motor Carriers, North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Catholic Conference, and North Dakota Family Alliance.

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