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 ×
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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.
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South Dakota was one of five states to pass marijuana legislation in November 2020. It was the first in the nation to legalize recreational and medical cannabis simultaneously. But now, that decision is being challenged.
The laws that passed
The two new laws came after the approval of Amendment A and Measure 26. Legalization would officially take effect on July 21st, 2021.
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Measure 26 allowed doctors to prescribe marijuana to South Dakotans suffering from debilitating medical conditions.
Amendment A, meanwhile, allowed for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana. It also gave the legislature the green light to pass laws involving hemp and affecting access to medical marijuana. The Amendment also mandates that the legislature sort out a system for regulation of the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp by 2022, along with a system for the licensing and regulation of marijuana businesses.
Marijuana supporters say in court filing that voiding Amendment A would overturn will of the people rapidcityjournal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rapidcityjournal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.