South Dakota to vote for third time on cannabis legalization

The legalization of cannabis for adult use is expected to be put to a vote for the third time in South Dakota next November. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Monae Johnson approved a measure that will allow South Dakota residents to vote on the proposal during the general election, according to the’Associated Press.

This decision comes after a petition calling for the adoption of the ballot received more than 22,000 signatures from registered voters, far exceeding the required 17,508 signatures.

We’ve qualified for the November 2024 ballot! To everyone who contributed their time, energy, or signature to this petition, we thank you—qualifying an initiative for the ballot is the first step toward reforming South Dakota’s cannabis policy in 2024. pic.twitter.com/kfKDteF6ei

— South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (@southdakotamj) June 3, 2024

If South Dakota votes in favor of the bill, adult cannabis use will be legalized for people aged 21 and older.

While it is understood that the bill will not establish a commercial framework, it will legalize the possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis flowers, 16 grams of concentrates, and the home cultivation of up to six plants.

In 2020, South Dakota made history by becoming the first state where voters simultaneously approved the legalization of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. However, the state Supreme Court struck down the provision legalizing cannabis for adults following an appeal filed by Governor Kristi Noem, citing a procedural defect.

In 2022, voters rejected another initiative that would have allowed adults to possess and use cannabis grown at home, but that did not establish a recreational cannabis market.

Matthew Schweich, director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, expressed optimism: «We are very pleased to have qualified for the ballot, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who signed our petitions, our volunteers, our staff, and our supporters. We look forward to participating in the November election, and we are confident that we can win again and restore the will of the people of South Dakota.»

Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, also highlighted the strong grassroots support for legalization, stating: «It is a testament to the grassroots support for legalization in South Dakota that advocates have succeeded in their effort to once again put the issue of legalization before voters.»