North Dakota medical marijuana measure makes Nov. 8 ballot

North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger says supporters of a ballot initiative campaign that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes have gathered enough signatures to put the issue to a statewide vote.

Supporters of the so-called North Dakota Compassionate Care Act needed about 13,500 qualified signatures to put it to a statewide vote in the Nov. 8 general election. Jaeger on Thursday said the measure's backers turned in more than 17,200 qualified signatures.

With voters' approval, the initiative would make it legal for North Dakota residents to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana for medical purposes. It says those who qualify could obtain the drug from a state-licensed dispensary or grow a limited supply for personal use.