FLANDREAU, S.D. “Signer beware” is the message from a pro-pot organization in South Dakota that’s hoping to bring the issue of marijuana legalization to the ballot next year. New Approach South Dakota isn’t talking about the two petitions they have circulating to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational purposes – they’re talking about a separate effort that would accomplish the same thing, but with some major differences.
According to the Attorney General’s explanation, differences like a lot less tax revenue for the state and a whole lot less regulation of the drug, but New Approach isn’t happy about their AG explanation.
“We also have a recreational bill that opens up a new industry in our state and allows for tax revenue to go for education, law enforcement, department of health for different fact based education programs,” explains Melissa Mentele, the director for New Approach South Dakota.
Attorney General Marty Jackley’s explanation of the initiated measures uses the term “marijuana.”
“When you look at our existing law in SD, the term marijuana is used and I believe that that is what’s appropriate and will best inform the voters on what they’re potentially going to be voting on,” says Jackley.
Using the term “marijuana” can make for an easier explanation to the public, but not everyone was impressed with the term usage. Mentele doesn’t like how Jackley removed the word cannabis for marijuana. She believes marijuana has a negative connotation to it and people might not want to discuss it. Her organization is advocating for cannabis access.
Now that Jackley has published the official explanation on the initiated measures, supporters can now circulate petitions. If the right amount signatures are obtained, the petitions will be presented to the Secretary of State. Then, the Secretary of State will certify the petitions, which will push the measures onto the November 2018 ballot.
New Approach South Dakota has received a lot of support with thousands of signatures on their petitions. Mentele plans on seeing her marijuana legalization measures on the ballot along with allowing terminally ill patients to have a physician-assisted death.
Initiated measures need to collect almost 14,000 valid signatures by November to qualify for the 2018 ballot.
credit:ksfy.com