“NORML is in a unique position to mobilize interested parties to provide their perspectives throughout the public comment period and we will be encouraging advocates and experts to do so in the coming weeks.”
“He was a principled man and a scholar who was committed to promoting the concept of individual liberty and who was at the forefront of the modern effort to dismantle the so-called ‘war on drugs.'”
Both bills await action from Republican Gov. Jeff Landry legislation. If the Governor fails to take action on the bills within ten days of them being transmitted, they will automatically become law.
November’s vote will mark the third time since 2020 that South Dakotans have weighed in on the issue.
The new law provides discretion to physicians to issue medical cannabis recommendations to any patient who may benefit from it. It also allows those ages 65 or older to self-certify for a registration card absent a doctor’s recommendation.
As a first step forward, this policy change dramatically shifts the political debate surrounding cannabis.
New Hampshire is the only New England state that currently prohibits adult-use cannabis sales.
“As more states have adopted legalization, public support for this policy has risen dramatically. That’s because these policies are largely working as intended and because voters prefer legalization and regulation over the failed policy of marijuana prohibition.”