Two medical marijuana-related bills failed during the last legislative session. A bill to legalize medical marijuana to those with a prescription was defeated by a 26-67 vote. A resolution calling for an interim study of legalization of medical marijuana for those with serious medical conditions failed 32-61.

The NDMA opposed both bills.

“The properties of each plant is impossible to predict, even when grown in a controlled environment,” Korbele said in a statement from NDMA.

Korbele said NDMA believes the proponents of Measure 5 have good intentions but, as worded, it would be burdensome to the North Dakota Department of Health, overstep bounds by legislating medical practices, and classify an unreliable substance as medicine.

She said some preliminary research into the effects of cannabidiol, a component of marijuana, have shown some promise in preventing seizures and could eventually be given the green light for use on the open market.

Cannabidiol is one of dozens of chemicals found in marijuana plants. It’s been found to have some potential therapeutic effects, without the euphoria or intoxication produced by tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.