Recreational marijuana legalization supporters share thoughts on upcoming vote

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Recreational marijuana legalization has been a topic of discussion for years in South Dakota, and as the back-and-forth fight to get that legislation passed those who continue to fight share their thoughts.

In 2020 pro-marijuana legislation passed with a 54% vote which would have allowed recreational marijuana to be implemented in the state. However, Governor Kristi Noem’s administration challenged the amendment saying it violated the state’s requirement that constitutional amendments deal with only one subject. That argument won in a 4-1 decision at the state supreme court and since then South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws have been fighting to get recreational use passed.

“Then in 2022, we wanted to give voters the opportunity to immediately restore the law that was taken away from them, and that became Measure 27. The problem is it was a much smaller turnout and so for me, I believe that the public support is there. It’s just a question of whether the group of voters that shows up on election day, do they reflect the will of the people?” Executive Director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws Matthew Schweich said.

Despite low voter turnout in 2022, Schweich believes there will be greater voter turnout this year due to it being a presidential election year. Not only that but he says support for recreational use tends to increase after medicinal use laws have been passed, which is the case in South Dakota.

“Voters who might be on the fence about recreational legalization will look and see these very well-regulated, controlled medical cannabis businesses and say ‘Okay the state can regulate that part of it, I now feel comfortable supporting the recreational.’ So we see support grow after medical is implemented,” Schweich said.

Schweich added he is confident legislation will be passed in support of recreational marijuana use and urged people to go out and vote.

As to the opposing side of this issue Senator Mike Walsh told KOTA news in a statement, “Marijuana is a drug. There can be no dispute about that. My opposition to marijuana stems from a number of different areas. Marijuana is often referred to as a “gateway drug.” Additional social issues also play a role in my opposition. As a public servant, I will always side with victims and marijuana creates victims.”

For more information regarding the South Dakota Primaries in June, take a look at KOTA Territory’s Voter Guide.

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