Writing error endangers South Dakota marijuana initiative

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A writing error could potentially cost a ballot measure campaign its chances of legalizing recreational marijuana in South Dakota next year.

The Argus Leader reports that cannabis advocacy group New Approach South Dakota is supporting a ballot measure meant to legalize small amounts of marijuana.

But the state’s interpretation of the wording means it would only legalize marijuana paraphernalia and not the drug itself.

The section legalizing marijuana paraphernalia addresses the law of “the state or the subdivision” (cities or counties), but the section legalizing marijuana only addresses the law of the subdivision and doesn’t include “the state or.”

This means the measure wouldn’t affect state law against recreational marijuana.

New Approach Director Melissa Mentele says the problem is “just a typo” and can be fixed later by the courts.

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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com