GOP-Backed Initiative To Repeal Medical Marijuana In South Dakota One Step Closer To 2024 Ballot

Nearly three weeks after releasing a draft ballot explanation for a proposal that would repeal South Dakota's medical cannabis program, the state Attorney General Marty Jackley (R) released a final summary for the initiative, reported Marijuana Moment.

Republican activist Travis Ismay is behind the proposal to make all possession, use, cultivation, sale and production of cannabis and cannabis products a crime.

Jackley didn’t take a position on the proposal and has “provided a fair and neutral explanation” to help voters decide on the proposed constitutional amendment.

“This proposed initiated measure would repeal the state’s medical marijuana program that voters approved in the 2020 general election,” said the attorney general on Monday.

Jackley’s explanation highlighted that the proposal does not affect hemp laws, while “marijuana remains illegal under federal law.”

In order to be placed on the 2024 ballot, the initiative must garner 17,509 valid signatures and approval from the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office.

The explanation was initially filed on July 27 with the comment period ending Aug. 6.

What About Recreational Marijuana?

South Dakota was the first state in the nation to simultaneously legalize medical and recreational marijuana in the 2020 elections. Some 20 months after, the state’s medical marijuana market officially launched. Even though there was 54% support for recreational cannabis legalization, the measure was declared unconstitutional.

Last November, South Dakota also failed to pass a Senate 3 bill that would have legalized adult-use cannabis.

On Friday, Matthew Schweich of Sioux Falls filed a draft-initiated measure for public review by the AG seeking to legalize recreational marijuana. 

This proposed measure would allow adults over 21 to possess, grow, sell, ingest and distribute recreational cannabis or marijuana paraphernalia.

To learn more about the regulatory hurdles facing marijuana businesses as advocates and lawmakers struggle to enact policy change, join us at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Sept 27-28.  Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

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