South Dakota Voters Approve Amendment to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Ballot Measure Passes with Over 54% of the Vote

Primary Election Sees Record Turnout

South Dakota voters have approved a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, making it the first state in the Midwest to do so. The amendment, known as Amendment A, passed with over 54% of the vote in the state's primary election on June 7th, 2022.

The passage of Amendment A is a significant victory for marijuana legalization advocates in South Dakota and across the country. It is the first time that a state has legalized recreational marijuana through a ballot measure since 2016, when voters in California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusetts all approved similar measures.

The amendment will legalize the possession, use, and sale of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21. It will also allow for the establishment of licensed marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities in the state.

The passage of Amendment A is a result of years of hard work by marijuana legalization advocates in South Dakota. The campaign to legalize marijuana in the state was led by a coalition of organizations, including the South Dakota Marijuana Legalization Coalition, the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, and the Drug Policy Alliance.

The passage of Amendment A is a major step forward for marijuana legalization in the United States. It is a sign that the public is increasingly supportive of marijuana legalization, and it is likely to lead to other states considering similar measures in the future.