Measure on the ballot in the 2022 South Dakota General Election in South Dakota.
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Get StartedA "yes" vote supports legalizing the possession, distribution, and use of marijuana for persons who are at least 21 years old.
A "no" vote opposes legalizing the possession, distribution, and use of marijuana for persons who are at least 21 years old.
"We encourage South Dakota voters to approve Initiated Measure 27 so that we can legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older and restore the will of the people. Criminalizing cannabis is a waste of time and resources for law enforcement. Legalization allows police, investigators, and courts to focus on serious crime. Furthermore, cannabis arrests lead to criminal records that deprive South Dakotans of jobs, education, housing, military service, and other opportunities. South Dakota's medical cannabis law, approved by voters in 2020, is still in the process of being implemented. In the meantime, it remains very difficult for patients to access the program. Many patients cannot easily find a doctor who will issue a medical cannabis recommendation. For some, the combined cost of the recommendation and the state ID card is an additional barrier. For many seriously ill people (including veterans with PTSD, epilepsy patients, MS patients, and cancer patients) cannabis is the only medicine that relieves their pain and suffering without debilitating side effects. Measure 27 will guarantee that all medical cannabis patients 21 and older in South Dakota are free from arrest. Measure 27 only legalizes cannabis for adults who are 21 and older. Public health reports analyzing tens of thousands of high school students in Colorado and Washington show that teen cannabis use did not increase after those states legalized cannabis for adults in 2012. National studies and research in other states have found similar results. Legalization policies in other states have created over 400,000 new jobs and generated over $10 billion in tax revenue, which is being allocated to public schools, drug treatment, healthcare services, and other programs. South Dakota voters already approved cannabis legalization in 2020 but that law was repealed in court. Measure 27 is shorter, simpler, and written to withstand a future lawsuit." - Brendan Johnson, former South Dakota U.S. Attorney, partner with Robins Kaplan LLP; Melissa Mentele, Executive Director for New Approach South Dakota; Matthew Schweich, Yes on 27 campaign manager for South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws; and Bill Stocker, retired Marine, disabled veteran, and retired Sioux Falls police officer, in support of Initiated Measure 27 (Learn more)
"IM 27 would swing the door wide open for higher crime rates, increased suicide rates, traffic fatalities, workplace injuries, and mental health problems. This measure would harm our South Dakota children, families and communities. The measure: • Harms children. Although it's advertised as "adult use," when states legalize marijuana the rates of adolescent use increase substantially. • Increases mental health problems. There are over 20,000 peer-reviewed articles linking marijuana use to severe mental health issues. Common outcomes include psychosis, depression, and suicide. • Fuels the "black market." Marijuana commercialization often leads to a dramatic increase in the black market, and this measure would hinder law enforcement from stopping it. If the door is opened to the marijuana industry to push drug activity, we will see: • Increased crime rates: The crime rate in Colorado has increased 11 times faster than the rest of the nation since legalization. South Dakota would be no different. • Increased costs to communities: Many states that have legalized marijuana have seen an increased number of emergency room visits. For every $1 in tax revenue generated, Colorado spends $4.50 on counteracting the damaging impact of legalization. • Increased addiction rates: Marijuana is highly addictive and states that legalize the drug see increases in addiction rates, as well as increased abuse of opioids, alcohol, and other illicit drugs. South Dakota already has laws that allow people to use marijuana products for health reasons. We can't sacrifice the health and safety of our children and communities so the industry can come in and make a profit, leaving South Dakotans to pay the price. Don't let South Dakota go "Up In Smoke". Vote no on IM 27." - Jim Kinyon, Chairman, Protecting South Dakota Kids, in opposition to Initiated Measure 27 (Learn more)
This initiated measure legalizes the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia by people age 21 and older. Individuals may possess one ounce or less of marijuana. They may also distribute one ounce or less of marijuana without payment or other consideration. Marijuana plants, and the marijuana produced from those plants, may be possessed under specific conditions. Marijuana plants may only be grown, and the marijuana from those plants may only be possessed, in counties or cities where no licensed retail marijuana store is available or where allowed by county or city ordinances. Certain violations of the restrictions the measure places on the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia are subject to various civil penalties. Individuals under age 21 can attend drug education or counseling instead of paying a civil penalty. The measure legalizes substances considered felony controlled substances under State law. Marijuana remains illegal under Federal law. Judicial or legislative clarification of the measure may be necessary. Fiscal Note: The State and counties could see a minimal decrease in expenses due to decreased incarceration for marijuana-related offenses, and the State could see marginal additional revenue in the form of new civil penalty fines.
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