RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Initiated Measure 29 is just one issue South Dakota voters will see on their ballots in less than a month, but what exactly is this measure?
“So, initiated measure 29 simply put, a yes vote legalizes the use of cannabis for adults,” Yes on 29 committee member Brad Jurgensen said.
The measure would allow individuals 21 years or older to possess, grow, ingest and distribute marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia.
Attorney General Marty Jackley provided an explanation of the measure in August 2023 saying quote:
“Individuals may possess up to two ounces of marijuana in a form other than marijuana concentrate or marijuana products. Individuals may possess up to six marijuana plants, with no more than twelve plants per household.”
A fiscal note was made on the measure because of the potential impact the measure could have on revenues, expenditures or the fiscal liability of South Dakota. The note said quote:
“Based on the language in the initiated measure, the sale of cannabis, and the criminal penalties therefore, would not be affected…”
This means that if passed, the measure would not decriminalize the sale of cannabis.
“The reason it’s written this way is because of how we have a single subject issue. So, if you want to make a change, it needs to be under single subject. So, when the voters passed this in 2020 by 54%, it got clawed back in the Supreme Court because of a single subject issue. In order to write it this way, it simplifies it. The revenue portion of it will be settled in the legislature,” Jurgensen explained.
In other words, if the measure is passed, the legislature will decide how South Dakotans can buy cannabis and how the state will get paid for it.
The possession, ingestion and distribution of marijuana will still be illegal for anyone under 21 and driving under the influence of marijuana will remain illegal even if the measure is passed.
The measure also allows employers to restrict an employee’s use of marijuana and restricts where marijuana can be possessed or consumed, much like schools or other places tobacco is prohibited.
The measure will not affect state laws dealing with hemp or medical marijuana programs.
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A vote yes is a vote for the legalization of the use of cannabis for adults. Read More