South Dakota voters appear to reject recreational marijuana

Voters in South Dakota appeared to reject Initiated Measure 27, a bill that would’ve legalized the possession, use and distribution of recreational marijuana by people 21 years or older.

With 75% of precincts counted, 54% of voters rejected recreational marijuana. The Associated Press had not called the race as of midnight.

The initiated measure would have legalized the possession, use and distribution of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia by people 21 years or older.

It was the second time a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana appeared on South Dakota voters’ ballots. In the 2020 Election, voters passed Amendment A with 54% of the majority.

This time around, that didn’t appear to be the case.

Protecting South Dakota Kids was a major opponent to Initiated Measure 27, and throughout the election process, argued that areas that have legalized marijuana have seen an increase in opioid fatalities.

“We’re continuing to pray that that result holds and that more people of faith come together to do what’s good for our state because this is a resounding no to recreational marijuana and a resounding yes for the health and well-being of our communities,” Protecting South Dakota Kids Committee Chair Jim Kinyon said.

[Read more at Argus Leader]