Results: South Dakota voters reject the legalization of marijuana use for adults

• Voters in South Dakota rejected Initiated Measure 27, which would have legalized marijuana use for adults over the age of 21.
• Proponents said that the measure was about "personal freedom."

South Dakota rejected the use of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Over half of voters said "no" on Initiated Measure 27, which, if passed, would have legalized marijuana use and possession.

Ballot measure details

Known as the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Measure 27 would have legalized marijuana use and possession for adults 21 years old and older. If passed, the initiative would have also limited possession to one ounce of marijuana.

Support and opposition

The measure was sponsored by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws. Supporters argued the measure is about "personal freedom."

"I would describe Measure 27 as cannabis legalization for the individual. It does not include licensing regulations, taxation; it's really about personal freedom and ensuring that small amounts of cannabis do not make you a criminal," Matthew Schweich, campaign leader for the Yes on 27 campaign, told KELO-TV.

Protecting South Dakota Kids led the effort against the measure, arguing that legalization will result in addiction for consumers and an increase in car accidents because of intoxicated drivers.

"More minority kids are being arrested in Colorado for pot since legalization, and car crashes related to marijuana, young adult use, and workplace positives are skyrocketing in legal states. We do not need to legalize in order to reform the criminal justice system. We can remove criminal penalties, expunge records, and offer justice without commercializing today's highly pure THC pot products," the coalition says on its website.

What experts are saying

In 2020, South Dakota voters passed Amendment A, a measure that aimed to legalize marijuana for adults over 21, but a lawsuit filed by Gov. Kristi Noem shot down the measure.

Schweich told OpenSecrets that Initiated Measure 27 was "a shorter, simpler version" of Amendment A.