South Dakota Cannabis Legalization Measure Faces Tight Race Ahead of 2024 Election

LOS ANGELES- Cannabis legalization advocates in South Dakota are facing an uphill battle ahead of the 2024 election. According to a recent Emerson College Poll, conducted in partnership with KELO-TV and *The Hill*, 50% of likely voters are opposed to *Initiated Measure 29*, the proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis, while 45% are in support, and 5% remain undecided. This polling, conducted from October 19-22, reflects a closely contested race.

The measure would allow individuals aged 21 and over to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis, cultivate up to six plants at home, and permit the gifting of cannabis products. However, it does not establish a commercial market for regulated sales, which could be added through future legislative action. Voter demographics show that younger voters are the most supportive, with 68% under the age of 30 backing the measure, while older voters, particularly those over 70, oppose it at a rate of 64%【.

The results mirror earlier polling from June, which also indicated strong opposition, particularly among Republicans and older voters. Advocates like Matthew Schweich, chair of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, remain cautiously optimistic, pointing to previous successes in 2020 when voters initially approved legalization, though that result was later overturned by the state’s Supreme Court.