NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — If passed, Measure 5 would allow for the production, processing, and sale of cannabis and possession and use of cannabis in North Dakota for those 21 and older. Former Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken said that this initiated measure is different from the past failed attempts and he doesn't want to be like other states. On the opposite side is Sheriff Kelly Leben with Burleigh County. He said he also doesn't want to be like other states. "Talk to your friends and family in the states that have legalized it and ask yourself if that's what you want for North Dakota," said Leben. "I'm not a fan of what they created in those states. That was unfettered regulation," said Bakken. How is it more conservative than the previously initiated measures that haven't passed? "So, the previous initiated measures didn't really have any control whatsoever, it was just open it up and have at it," explained Bakken. "That's not what we want. We don't want to see North Dakota become a Colorado, or a Washington, or a Oregon. The opponents to Measure 5 talk a lot about how marijuana today isn't the same as marijuana back in the 70's and you're right and that's one of the things that Measure 5 does because the state has the regulation for the potency of that product." Another argument Bakken makes is that this will allow law enforcement to focus on other drugs coming through our state. However, Sheriff Leben disagrees with that. "I think that's a big misconception because right now the majority of our efforts is not put on marijuana enforcement. I say that because if we look at the level of drugs being sold and used in our county, marijuana is a low priority. Methamphetamine is still the drug of choice," said Leben. Measure 4: How the election results will impact property taxes Leben says that in other states that have legalized marijuana, the black market for the drug does not go away. In fact, it becomes a larger problem. "When you have a product that is going to be taxed and everybody says we're going to reap all this money from the taxation, and why wouldn't there be an incentive to sell illegal marijuana that has a lower cost," said Leben. Another big argument Sheriff Leben said is about the workforce. "You legalize a product like marijuana, the use becomes normal. If you legalize it, I think we're going to see impacts against the workforce because certain jobs like law enforcement, we still have to restrict from usage of drugs. Especially since it's illegal federally," explained Leben. That's something Bakken said won't change. "All the power goes back to your employer. If you have to pass a drug test, you're still going to have to pass a drug test for your employment situation. None of that's changed. You abide by the rules of your employer," said Bakken. "The other problem I see is the normalization it's going to be used out in public. And everyone says, no it's not, but every state that's legalized it what do you hear? It's everywhere you go," said Leben. "One thing I want to dispel is the myth of normalizing it. Just because that argument doesn't hold water. Well, they've normalized ODing with Narcan, everyone should have Narcan, which I don't agree with," said Bakken. According to the North Dakota Health and Human Services fiscal report for medical marijuana, in 2023, the program brought in over $20 million to dispensaries and distributors across our state.If recreational use were to pass, that number could increase, as well as the number of cardholders said Bakken. But only you have the power to decide. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW