Proponents of legalizing marijuana in South Dakota have vowed to once again put a legalization initiative on the ballot, this time during the 2024 general election.
South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws was successful in getting marijuana initiatives on the ballot in 2020 and 2022. In 2020 voters approved the initiative, though it was later struck down by the courts due to a technicality. In 2022, mainly due to low turnout, the initiative was defeated although 47% did vote in favor. Now the group is hoping third times a charm, and are aiming to put the issue to a vote in 2024, says campaign director Matthew Schweich.
Schweich says the initiative will be based on this year’s Measure 27, which would have legalized the possession and purchase (from a licensed retail outlet) of up to an ounce of marijuana, for those 21 and older, while also allowing them to grow a few plants for personal use.
“People didn’t turn out,” says Schweich, noting that less than 60% of voters actually showed up to the polls.
“There’s already a lot of conversations going on about 2024 and I intend to be involved,” he said. “I’m committed to getting it on the ballot in 2024, and I think we will win.”
Schweich pledged they will have “millions of dollars” to pour into the campaign and boost turnout. If true, this would be a huge increase over the $436,000 the campaign raised this go-around.
You can learn more about South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws by clicking here.
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