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South Dakota recreational marijuana backers file to defend amendment in court
South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws announced Monday, Nov. 23, the organization would file the needed paperwork to intervene in the case, essentially giving it standing to defend Amendment A from a lawsuit brought by two law enforcement officials, with backing from Gov. Kristi Noem. 4:16 pm, Nov. 23, 2020 ×
(Unsplash stock image)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The group that proposed a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota, a measure approved by voters on Nov. 3, says it plan to defend the amendment from a court challenge.
South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws announced Monday, Nov. 23, the organization would file the needed paperwork to intervene in the case, essentially giving it standing to defend Amendment A from a lawsuit brought by two law enforcement officials, with backing from Gov. Kristi Noem.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Dec 10, 2020 6:25 AM
(Greater Dakota News Service)- Last month, 53% of South Dakota voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana use for those age 21 years and older, but a legal challenge and strong opposition from Republican leaders could hinder the changes.
Dave Wiltse, a political scientist at South Dakota State University, says despite passage, the state still is very conservative. Some members of law enforcement and Governor Kristi Noem remain firmly opposed so, he says, if they can’t stop marijuana legalization, they might try other ways to limit access.
“We could see really high licensing fees, we could see high regulation of this industry to the point that it might be prohibitive for someone to enter it.”
Sen. Helene Duhamel tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday after visiting Gov. Kristi Noem s mansion Monday night with other lawmakers and attending the governor s budget speech Tuesday in the state capitol