South Dakota Voters to Decide Again on Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

South Dakota Voters to Decide on Cannabis Legalization for Third Time in November

Pierre, SD, June 4, 2024 — South Dakota voters will once again weigh in on the legalization of cannabis possession, use, and cultivation by adults in the upcoming November general election. The office of Secretary of State Monae Johnson confirmed on Monday that the campaign for adult-use legalization had gathered enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Petition Secures Ballot Placement

The petition needed 17,508 signatures from registered voters to make the ballot. Based on a random sample, Johnson’s office estimated that petitioners collected 22,558 valid signatures, as reported by the South Dakota Searchlight. This development means that South Dakotans will vote on adult-use cannabis legalization for the third time in four years.

Previous Attempts and Legal Challenges

In 2020, South Dakota made history as the first state where voters approved both recreational and medical marijuana legalization in the same election. However, the state Supreme Court, responding to a challenge initiated by Gov. Kristi Noem, struck down the measure on a technicality. In 2022, voters rejected an initiative that would have allowed adults to possess and use home-grown cannabis but did not establish a recreational cannabis market.

Details of the 2024 Proposal

According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the proposal going before voters in November:

Does not establish rules and regulations for a commercial industry.

Allows adults to possess and home cultivate limited quantities of cannabis: Up to 2 ounces of flower, 16 grams of concentrates, and up to six plants.

Permits cannabis cultivation within guidelines.

If voters approve the proposal, proponents plan to collaborate with the Legislature to implement business licensing, tax, and other regulations, according to the Associated Press.

Campaign and Voter Sentiment

The adult-use legalization campaign, spearheaded by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, is hopeful that the third attempt will succeed where previous efforts have fallen short. The campaign continues to advocate for the benefits of legalization, including personal freedom, potential tax revenue, and regulated safe access to cannabis.

Looking Forward

As the November election approaches, both supporters and opponents of cannabis legalization are gearing up for a heated campaign. With South Dakota voters having previously shown mixed reactions to cannabis legalization, it remains to be seen whether this third attempt will be the charm or the final strike.