The legalization of cannabis for adult use must go to the vote for the third time in South Dakota next november Earlier this week, Secretary of State Monae Johnson approved a measure that would allow South Dakotans to vote on the proposal in the general election, theAssociated Press.
The move comes after a petition to pass the ballot measure received more than 22,000 signatures from registered voters, far exceeding the required 17,508 signatures.
If South Dakota votes in favor of the bill, adult cannabis will be legalized for those 21 and older.
While it is understood that the bill will not authorize a commercial framework, it will legalize the possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis flowers, 16 grams of concentrates and the cultivation at home of up to six plants.
In 2020, South Dakota made history by becoming the first state where the voters approved simultaneously the legalization of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. However, the state Supreme Court overturned the measure legalizing cannabis for adults after an appeal filed by Governor Kristi Noem, citing a technicality.
In 2022, voters rejected another initiative that would have allowed adults to own and consume home-grown cannabis, but did not establish a recreational cannabis market.
Matthew Schweich, director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Lawswas optimistic: “We are very happy to have qualified for the vote and we are extremely grateful to everyone who signed our petitions, our volunteers, our staff and our supporters.
We look forward to the vote in November and are confident that we can win again and restore the will of the people of South Dakota.”
Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, also noted the strong grassroots support for legalization, saying: “It’s a testament to the grassroots support that exists for legalization in South Dakota that advocates have been successful in their efforts to put the issue of legalization before the voters.”