Why Yes?
Revenue Generation
In Montana, the legalization of adult-use cannabis resulted in over $55 million in tax revenue from $319 million in sales in 2023 alone. South Dakota could similarly see significant tax revenue, which can be allocated to improving public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Job Creation
The cannabis industry in Montana employs over 4,000 people. South Dakota could experience similar job growth, providing new employment opportunities across the state.
Reducing Incarceration Rates
Legalizing cannabis can reduce the number of South Dakotans incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses, freeing up resources to address more serious crimes.
Expunging Past Convictions
Legalization can include provisions for expunging past cannabis-related convictions, helping South Dakotans reintegrate into society and find employment.
Regulation and Quality Control
Legalization ensures cannabis products are regulated and tested for safety, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring South Dakota consumers know exactly what they are using.
Safe Access
Legalizing cannabis provides adults in South Dakota with safe and legal access, reducing the need to purchase from unregulated and potentially dangerous sources.
Expanded Research
Legalizing cannabis can facilitate more research into its medical benefits, potentially leading to new treatments for various conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD.
Patient Access
Legalization can improve access for South Dakota patients who rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes, ensuring they can obtain their medication without legal repercussions.
Addressing Racial Disparities
Legalizing cannabis can help address the racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests and convictions in South Dakota, promoting fairness and equality in the justice system.
Community Reinvestment
Revenue from cannabis sales can be invested back into communities across South Dakota disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, funding education, housing, and community programs.
Personal Choice
Adults in South Dakota should have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies, including the choice to use cannabis.
Eliminating Stigma
Legalization helps reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use, promoting a more open and honest dialogue about its effects and benefits.
Economic Benefits for South Dakota
Revenue Generation
In Montana, the legalization of adult-use cannabis resulted in over $55 million in tax revenue from $319 million in sales in 2023 alone. South Dakota could similarly see significant tax revenue, which can be allocated to improving public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Job Creation
The cannabis industry in Montana employs over 4,000 people. South Dakota could experience similar job growth, providing new employment opportunities across the state.
Criminal Justice Reform in South Dakota
Reducing Incarceration Rates
Legalizing cannabis can reduce the number of South Dakotans incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses, freeing up resources to address more serious crimes.
Expunging Past Convictions
Legalization can include provisions for expunging past cannabis-related convictions, helping South Dakotans reintegrate into society and find employment.
Public Health and Safety for South Dakotans
Regulation and Quality Control
Legalization ensures cannabis products are regulated and tested for safety, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring South Dakota consumers know exactly what they are using.
Safe Access
Legalizing cannabis provides adults in South Dakota with safe and legal access, reducing the need to purchase from unregulated and potentially dangerous sources.
Medical Benefits for South Dakota
Expanded Research
Legalizing cannabis can facilitate more research into its medical benefits, potentially leading to new treatments for various conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD.
Patient Access
Legalization can improve access for South Dakota patients who rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes, ensuring they can obtain their medication without legal repercussions.
Social Justice in South Dakota
Addressing Racial Disparities
Legalizing cannabis can help address the racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests and convictions in South Dakota, promoting fairness and equality in the justice system.
Community Reinvestment
Revenue from cannabis sales can be invested back into communities across South Dakota disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, funding education, housing, and community programs.
Consumer Freedom for South Dakotans
Personal Choice
Adults in South Dakota should have the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies, including the choice to use cannabis.
Eliminating Stigma
Legalization helps reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use, promoting a more open and honest dialogue about its effects and benefits.
Harm Reduction in South Dakota
Reducing Opioid Dependence
Research suggests that access to legal cannabis can reduce dependence on more harmful substances, including opioids, potentially decreasing overdose rates in South Dakota.
Alcohol Alternative
Cannabis can serve as a safer alternative to alcohol, with fewer associated health risks and social harms.
Conclusion
By supporting the legalization of adult-use cannabis, South Dakota can create a safer, more just, and economically vibrant society. Let’s make a positive change with Yes on 29!