Two marijuana-related issues on South Dakota November ballot

There are not one, but two, marijuana related issues on the ballot in South Dakota this November, and while advocacy groups are busy making their case for legalization, state officials are coming out against some of the proposals as the vote nears.

Amendment A would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 and older. It would also require the South Dakota state legislature to pass laws providing for a program for medical marijuana and hemp sales by April 2022.

State officials are not against legalizing the use of medical marijuana, but believe Amendment A would be damaging for the state and youth.

“Amendment A has very little to do with medical, it is a recreational marijuana amendment to our constitution,” said President of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, David Owen. “Other states have seen an increase in youth usage, accidental poisoning with kids because they put THC in things like gummy bears. Increased accidents and fatalities with people that are under the influence of marijuana, and finally this doesn’t belong in the constitution”

Initiated Measure 26, or IM26, has been offered as an alternative. It would permit the use of just medical marijuana, and patients could be registered to grow the plant at home. [Read more at Newscenter1]