Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Petitions For Cannabis Legalization To Start Circulating

The South Dakota Attorney General is releasing two explanations for proposed initiated measure ballot questions aimed at legalizing recreational and medicinal marijuana.
 
These statements appear on petitions that are circulated by sponsors of the measures.
 
A spokesperson for New Approach South Dakota says petitions could start circulating as early as next week.
 
New Approach South Dakota needs to gather almost 14,000 signatures by November in order to make the 2018 ballot.
 
Last election cycle the group was denied a spot on the ballot for not having enough signatures.
 
Melissa Mentele  is a spokesperson for New Approach South Dakota.
 
“We’re really busting through that glass ceiling with the different people getting involved with us this time around. People want to see change and we’re ready to give it to them,” Mentele says.
 
Eight states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. Around 30 states have legalized marijuana for medical use.
 
Attorney General Marty Jackley’s explanations say parts of the bill may be unconstitutional. His explanation points out that medical and recreational marijuana use are still illegal under federal law.
 
During the legislative session state lawmakers legalized cannabidiol pending FDA approval. Cannabidiol is commonly used to treat pediatric epilepsy.