South Dakota: recreational cannabis to boost teachers' pay?

South Dakota welcomes the tax revenue generated by the recreational cannabis market. The taxes generated could lead to a potential pay raise for teachers.

In the U.S. states where recreational cannabis is legal, taxes generate significant revenue for institutions. These taxes, which are based on in-store cannabis sales, are then reinvested in education, infrastructure development, prevention, addiction treatment, and assistance for the homeless.

In South Dakota, proponents of legalization are pushing for investment in education. According to Melissa Mentele of the group New Approach South Dakota, Colorado reinvested $54.2 million in the education sector in 2016. »The cannabis trade is costing us a lot. We're going to put an end to it and tax cannabis »Instead, this money will be used for our children's education.".

Teacher Shortage

South Dakota has fewer than one million residents and is currently facing a teacher shortage. The main reason is the low salaries paid to teachers in that state. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics , the average annual income for teachers is 39,580$ (€37,131). This ranks it 49th out of 50 states. By comparison, teachers in New Jersey earn about 60,000 $ per year

Behind this innovative approach, New Approach South Dakota is pushing for the legalization of recreational cannabis in South Dakota through a petition. If this petition gathers enough signatures, state authorities will be required to legislate on the issue or even put it to a public referendum. Melissa Mentele believes that financial considerations will take precedence over public opinion.

The Current Situation and the Petition.

Possession of a small amount of marijuana carries a prison sentence of one year and a fine of 2,000 $. Possession of concentrates is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 $. Medical cannabis is also prohibited in this state.

South Dakota enforces a strange law called «internal possession.» Individuals who test positive for THC, even if they have consumed weeds in a state where it was legal, are subject to the same penalty.

Via High Times

Théo Caillart