The amount of money raised in support of legalizing marijuana in South Dakota is nearly identical to the amount raised by opponents.
South Dakota voters are set to consider recreational marijuana legalization on Tuesday with Measure 29, which would allow those 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for personal use while outlining a regulatory framework for marijuana businesses. According to state data, the amount of money raised by both opponents and proponents of the initiative is almost identical, $458,000 to $457,000.
In the lead-up to the November vote, the Yes on 29 Ballot Committee reported raising $436,000, with $300,000 originating from within the marijuana industry. Contributions included $100,000 from GL Partners Inc., a medical marijuana dispensary in Rapid City. The Moyle family, owners of Moyle Petroleum Company, contributed $100,100, while HomeSlice Media donated $55,000 in services and cash. Additionally, the Marijuana Policy Project and a California-based cannabis mapping firm contributed $37,000 and $30,000, respectively.
Other groups supporting Measure 29 have reported raising around $22,000, bringing the total for the pro-side to $458,000.
On the opposing side, the Protecting SD Kids Ballot Question Committee raised over $457,000, including contributions from First PREMIER Bank and Prestige Auto Sales, each donating $25,000. The group announced it had raised an additional $550,000 as of October 21, mostly from individual donations under $10,000.
Previous attempts to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota have faced challenges. Voters approved a measure in 2020, only for it to be invalidated by the courts. In 2022, a revised legalization proposal narrowly failed amid lower voter turnout. Proponents now hope that Measure 29’s updated language and placement on a presidential election ballot will sway voters in favor of legalization.
For detailed information on Measure 29, view the full text here.
