This bill proposes amendments to the North Dakota Century Code regarding the possession and penalties associated with marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It introduces a new section that establishes noncriminal citations for specific violations, allowing individuals cited for possessing less than half an ounce of marijuana or less than two grams of THC to receive a noncriminal citation instead of facing criminal charges. The bill also modifies existing penalties, changing the classification of certain amounts of marijuana and THC possession from misdemeanors to infractions, while maintaining higher penalties for larger quantities.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for individuals who receive noncriminal citations, including options for paying fines or requesting hearings. It specifies that if a person pleads guilty to a first offense involving less than five hundred grams of marijuana or four grams of THC, their court record may be sealed after two years if no further violations occur. The amendments aim to reduce the criminalization of minor marijuana-related offenses and streamline the legal process for individuals cited under these laws.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 19-03.1-23, 19-03.4-03