ND police break down drug laws as MN readies for legal marijuana – Twin Cities – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

FARGO, N.D. — Law enforcement in North Dakota are concerned they could see more marijuana come into the state after recreational use becomes legal in Minnesota.

But officers in the Peace Garden State won’t act differently if they catch people bringing the drug in from the east, authorities said.

“The Minnesota law does not affect North Dakota,” North Dakota Highway Patrol Capt. Bryan Niewind said. “North Dakota troopers enforce North Dakota law. Marijuana is still illegal in North Dakota.”

Minnesota took a historic step last month when lawmakers legalized cannabis. On Aug. 1, the Land of 10,000 Lakes will become the 23rd state in the U.S. allowed to light up for recreational use.

It also became the first state to repeal its paraphernalia laws, meaning syringes and small amounts of drug residue found in them will not warrant criminal charges as of August.

Groups have tried to convince North Dakotans and state lawmakers to legalize marijuana, but the efforts have gone up in smoke. In the latest push, residents shot down proposed legalization in November, with nearly 55% voting against it.

Voters approved medical marijuana in 2016, though patients must have a medical card approved by a health care provider.

Other than that, marijuana use, possession, production and dealing is banned in North Dakota….