PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Most South Dakotans oppose the latest attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, according to a scientific poll of 500 registered voters co-sponsored by South Dakota News Watch.
The poll showed that 52% of respondents are against Initiated Measure 29, compared to 42% who support it. The rate of opposition is consistent with a similar measure’s defeat in the 2022 election, when South Dakotans voted against legalizing recreational marijuana by a margin of 52% to 47%. But the level of support has dropped since then.
The poll showed that the measure is opposed by nearly 7 in 10 Republicans (68%) in the state, compared to 24% of Democrats and 45% of non-affiliated voters. The South Dakota Republican Party, at its 2024 convention June 6-8 in Pierre, passed a resolution that urged all party members to work to defeat the measure.
Recreational marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia, with supporters pointing to economic advantages to the state economy from tax revenue. Opponents cite potential social costs and health risks such as a higher risk of cardiovascular problems from marijuana use. For young users, regular consumption of marijuana has been shown to lead to mental health issues, specifically schizophrenia.