South Dakota Adult-Use Cannabis Initiative to Appear on 2024 Ballot

NEW YORK- South Dakota voters will have another opportunity to decide on the legalization of adult-use cannabis. Initiated Measure 29, which aims to legalize the recreational use, possession, and distribution of cannabis, will be on the ballot for the 2024 general election on November 5.

On June 3, Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson confirmed that the measure had secured enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The campaign collected 22,558 valid signatures, surpassing the required threshold by approximately 5,000.

This marks the third attempt to legalize adult-use cannabis in South Dakota. In 2020, voters approved Amendment A with a 54% majority, but the measure was later overturned by the courts. A subsequent initiative in 2022 was rejected by voters, with 52% opposing it.

Governor Kristi Noem has been a vocal opponent of cannabis legalization, citing adherence to the rule of law and the state constitution as reasons for contesting the previous measures.

If passed, Initiated Measure 29 would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis or 16 grams of concentrate. The measure also permits the cultivation of up to six plants per person, with a household limit of 12 plants, and sets a maximum of 1,600 mg of THC in cannabis products.

Proponents of the measure are optimistic. Zebadiah Johnson, political director for the campaign, stated, “We firmly believe that South Dakotans deserve to make their own choices on how they live their lives, including the freedom to responsibly use cannabis.”

Opponents, such as Protecting South Dakota Kids chair Jim Kinyon, argue that the repeated attempts to pass cannabis legalization ignore the will of the voters who rejected it in 2022. Kinyon expressed concerns about the industry’s influence and financial power in swaying public opinion.

The initiative’s inclusion on the ballot is the result of extensive efforts by advocates and volunteers. South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (SDBML) collected and submitted over 29,000 signatures by the May 7 deadline. The Secretary of State’s office verified the required 17,508 signatures to ensure the measure’s place on the ballot.

South Dakota could become the 25th state to legalize adult-use cannabis if the measure is approved. The 2024 election will determine whether voters are ready to embrace this change.