South Dakota Advocates Submit Signatures for Recreational Marijuana Ballot Measure

After a history of challenges, advocates of legalizing recreational marijuana in South Dakota have submitted thousands of signatures to election officials on August 3, with the goal of once again putting the issue on the November ballot. Supporters of the initiative delivered around 29,000 signatures to Secretary of State Monae Johnson's office, surpassing the required 17,508 valid signatures for the November ballot. The validation of the signatures is expected to be completed by August 13.

In 2020, South Dakota voters approved a medical marijuana initiative and also passed a measure for the legalization of recreational marijuana. However, the latter was overturned by the South Dakota Supreme Court, as it violated a single-subject rule for constitutional amendments. The following year, Governor Kristi Noem attempted to postpone the legalization of medical marijuana by a year, but the proposal was not successful.

Current Efforts and Opposition

The current initiative aims to legalize recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older, with specified possession limits and allowances for cultivation. However, there is opposition from a nonprofit group called Protecting South Dakota Kids, which has raised concerns about potential negative impacts, including increased crime rates and mental health problems.

Campaign Director Matthew Schweich highlighted several reasons to support the measure, including redirecting law enforcement resources, improving access for individuals in need of medical marijuana, and creating new tax revenue and job opportunities. Additionally, he emphasized the comparison between the harmful effects of alcohol and cannabis, advocating for fair treatment of both substances.

Future Plans and Federal Potential

If the initiative is successful, backers plan to collaborate with the Legislature to establish a comprehensive implementation legislation. Furthermore, the federal government's proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug may contribute to normalizing the issue for certain voters.

Given the unique circumstances of the marijuana legalization issue in South Dakota, it is believed that the initiative has a better chance this year, especially with the expectation of higher voter turnout due to the presidential election and a possible abortion rights initiative on the ballot.