Ballot explanation for recreational marijuana is finalized

The final ballot explanation for a draft initiated measure that would legalize recreational marijuana has been released by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

This proposed initiated measure would allow individuals 21 years old or older to possess, grow, ingest, and gift marijuana for recreational purposes. The initiated measure does not affect laws dealing with hemp. The measure also does not change State laws concerning the State’s medical marijuana program.

If the required 17,509 valid signatures are gathered and approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the 2024 general ballot.

The Attorney General’s explanation was drafted after a review of all the comments received during the 10-day comment period. A total of 15 comments were received.

August 31, 2023