South Dakota voters will once again decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana. This is the third time they have weighed in on the question.
On Monday, Secretary of State Monae Johnson’s office validated a measure for the November general election ballot. In 2020, voters passed a measure that was ultimately struck down in court, according to media reports. In 2022, voters defeated another attempt.
Twenty-four states have legalized recreational marijuana. Ohio voters most recently did so in November 2023. Florida voters will also vote on the issue this fall. Other efforts are ongoing in additional states, including North Dakota.
The South Dakota measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older. The proposal has possession limits of 2 ounces of marijuana in a form other than concentrated cannabis or cannabis products. The measure also allows the cultivation of plants with restrictions.
If successful, measure backers plan to work with the Legislature to implement business licensing, tax, and other regulations.