Statewide polling data commissioned by a marijuana opposition group shows voter support for a pair of 2020 cannabis legalization ballot measures.
According to the survey results, some 70 percent of respondents back Initiative Measure 26 — which establishes a medical cannabis access program in South Dakota — and some 60 percent of voters support Constitutional Amendment A, which legalizes the adult-use marijuana market.
The polling data was compiled by the right-leaning Public Opinion Strategies group, and was paid for by the campaign committee No Way On A. According to the Argus Leader newspaper, No Way on A is organized by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Under state law, the possession of any amount of marijuana is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a criminal record. Both measures are opposed by the state’s Republican Gov. Kristi Noem.
Voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and will also decide on adult-use legalization ballot initiatives on Election Day, while voters in Mississippi will decide between two dueling measures specific to regulating medical cannabis use.
