Recreational marijuana initiated measure for 2024 moves through SD attorney general process – Mitchell Republic – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

PIERRE, S.D. — An initiated measure would legalize the use, distribution, sale and possession of recreational marijuana. That is, if enough South Dakota residents sign the petition to get the measure on the 2024 ballot.

On Friday, August 11, Attorney General Marty Jackley released an explanation of a draft of the initiated measure.

“Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation,” Tony Mangan, communication director for the AG’s office said.

South Dakotans might find this measure familiar. That’s because this is the third time in a five-year period that a recreational marijuana measure has been pushed for in the state.

The state electorate approved a recreational marijuana measure in 2020, but the measure was struck down by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds after Gov. Kristi Noem opposed widespread legalization of the drug. Another similar measure in 2022 passed the South Dakota Senate, but did not get enough votes to become law.

Once the Secretary of State approves the petition for the initiated measure, supporters of the initiated measure may begin gathered signatures to put it on the ballot in 2024. In order for this initiated measure to qualify for the 2024 general election, the initiated measure must receive 17,509 valid petition signatures by the first Tuesday of May 2024.

The initiated measure was drawn up by Matthew Schweich, a Sioux Falls resident and campaign…