Shortly after a Supreme Court official said the ruling on Amendment A wouldn’t come until after July 1st, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) sat down with a local news reporter to discuss cannabis legalization. In November 2020, South Dakota citizens voted on and approved two different cannabis legalization measures. One measure, IM 26, is for medical cannabis, and one called Amendment A is for recreational cannabis. 

Shortly after the year started, Governor Noem issued an executive order calling Amendment A unconstitutional. She also announced it would be heard in an appeals court to determine if it fits into the state’s constitution. The circuit court judge agreed with Governor Noem and deemed Amendment A unconstitutional. Then activists took their case to the Supreme Court, where a verdict still awaits. 

Governor Response 

South Dakota news reporter Bridgett Bennet had a chance to sit down with Governor Noem. They discussed the upcoming results expected from the Supreme Court as well as the governor’s thoughts on legalization in general.

Noem: “My job as governor is to uphold the constitution, that’s the foundation of what gives me the authority to do even do what I do here in South Dakota. I think the voters should have a vote on a clean bill that isn’t flawed,”

Bennett: “Do you think South Dakota voters have already sent a clear message about recreational marijuana?”

Noem: “I think they have.”

Bennett: “Taxpayers paid to fight a measure that they approved, what do you say to people that does not sit well with?”

Noem: “Well I would just tell them that that is my job. That when they voted for me to be governor that I told them, I held my right hand up and took an oath and pledged to uphold the constitution of this state. If they disagree with actions that I’ve taken, that’s what elections are for.”

You can listen to the whole interview Reporter Bennet did with Governor Noem HERE.

Future

While we wait for the Supreme Court’s response, recreational cannabis is still deemed unconstitutional and possession or use of cannabis will remain illegal in South Dakota until told otherwise. 

Medical cannabis is set to begin on July 1st. Patient cards expected sometime in October or November.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.