A House panel is defeating a bill that would establish a recreational marijuana program.
South Dakota residents voted to legalize a recreational marijuana program in 2020. The ballot question was rejected in the courts.
Supporters say the bill honors the will of the voters.
Ned Horsted is with the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota. He says voters settled the issue in 2020.
“Folks knew what they were voting for,” Horsted says. “The vast majority of people supported legalization and ending prohibition. They’re ready for it. If they would pass this bill it sets up a well-regulated program. And people would get what they want, what they asked for nearly two years ago.”
The House State Affairs committee rejected the proposal 8 to 3.
The bill narrowly passed the Senate previously. It was the first time a legislative chamber in South Dakota voted to legalize recreational cannabis.
Petition circulators hope to place recreational cannabis legalization on the ballot again this year.
