Current:Home > Invest3rd try at approving recreational marijuana in South Dakota makes the ballot-LoTradeCoin
3rd try at approving recreational marijuana in South Dakota makes the ballot
View Date:2024-12-25 22:53:07
South Dakota voters will decide again whether to legalize recreational marijuana, an issue with a frustrating history for backers of the ballot initiative in the conservative state.
On Monday, Secretary of State Monae Johnson’s office validated a measure for the November general election ballot. It will be the third time South Dakota voters have weighed in on the question.
In 2020, voters passed a measure which was ultimately struck down in court. In 2022, voters defeated another attempt.
Twenty-four states have legalized recreational marijuana. Ohio voters did so most recently, in November 2023. Florida voters will also vote on the issue this fall. And other efforts are ongoing in other states, including North Dakota.
The South Dakota measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older. The proposal has possession limits of 2 ounces of marijuana in a form other than concentrated cannabis or cannabis products. The measure also allows cultivation of plants, with restrictions. Measure backers plan to work with the Legislature to implement business licensing, tax and other regulations, if successful.
“We firmly believe that South Dakotans deserve to make their own choices on how they live their lives, including the freedom to responsibly use cannabis,” said Zebadiah Johnson, political director for the campaign to legalize recreational marijuana, in a statement.
Opponent Jim Kinyon, chairperson of Protecting South Dakota Kids, said the state’s voters already had a say on the issue and rejected recreational marijuana back in 2022. He criticized supporters’ repeated efforts to put the issue to a vote.
“How many times does the state of South Dakota need to reject recreational marijuana before the industry will accept the decision of the state’s citizens?” Kinyon said.
“I expect that the industry will triple down on their money to try and sway and disuade voters,” Protecting South Dakota Kids chairperson Jim Kinyon said.
Other initiated measures on South Dakota’s ballot this fall are ones to protect abortion rights, to repeal the state food tax and to implement a “top two” primary election system.
____
Ballentine contributed to this report from Columbia, Missouri, and Dura contributed from Bismarck, North Dakota.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Dozens indicted over NYC gang warfare that led to the deaths of four bystanders
- The actors strike is over. What’s next for your favorite stars, shows and Hollywood?
- The Best Gifts For Runners On The Trail, Treadmill & Beyond
- Danica Roem makes history as first openly transgender person elected to Virginia state Senate
- 2 striking teacher unions in Massachusetts face growing fines for refusing to return to classroom
- Nicolas Cage becomes Schlubby Krueger in 'Dream Scenario'
- Puerto Rico declares flu epidemic as cases spike. 42 dead and more than 900 hospitalized since July
- CMAs awards Lainey Wilson top honors, Jelly Roll sees success, plus 3 other unforgettable moments
- College Football Playoff ranking release: Army, Georgia lead winners and losers
- Citi illegally discriminated against Armenian-Americans, feds say
Ranking
- Michigan soldier’s daughter finally took a long look at his 250 WWII letters
- Man arrested after he pulls gun, fires 2 shots trying to prevent purse snatching on NYC subway
- Nordstrom Rack's Clear the Rack Sale Is Here: Save up to 95% on Madewell, Kate Spade & More
- Blake Shelton Playfully Trolls Wife Gwen Stefani for Returning to The Voice After His Exit
- RHOBH's Erika Jayne Reveals Which Team She's on Amid Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley Feud
- Nearly half of Democrats disapprove of Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war, AP-NORC poll shows
- Police say 2 Jewish schools in Montreal were hit by gunshots; no injuries reported
- Scott Boras tells MLB owners to 'take heed': Free agents win World Series titles
Recommendation
-
Anti-abortion advocates press Trump for more restrictions as abortion pill sales spike
-
Khloe Kardashian Proves True Thompson and Dream Kardashian Are Justin Bieber's Biggest Fans
-
Patrick Dempsey named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine: I'm glad it's happening at this point in my life
-
MLB announcer Jason Benetti leaves White Sox to join division rival's broadcast team
-
Georgia House Republicans stick with leadership team for the next two years
-
Danica Roem makes history as first openly transgender person elected to Virginia state Senate
-
Scott Boras tells MLB owners to 'take heed': Free agents win World Series titles
-
Police say 2 Jewish schools in Montreal were hit by gunshots; no injuries reported