“Legalization opponents cannot succeed in the court of public opinion or at the ballot box,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Thus, they are now petitioning the courts to overturn the will of the people. Whether or not one supports marijuana legalization, Americans should be deeply concerned by this trend and by the outcome of this case.”
Justices on the state’s highest court have yet to render a decision regarding the fate of Constitutional Amendment A, the voter-approved initiative which sought to legalize the adult-use possession and sale of cannabis.
The circuit court’s ruling striking down the law remains in effect until the Supreme Court either upholds or reverses the lower court’s decision.
“Legalization opponents cannot succeed in the court of public opinion or at the ballot box. Thus, they are now seeking to overturn election results after the fact.”
Proponents of Measure A, South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, say that they will appeal the ruling to the state’s Supreme Court. In a Facebook post, the group stated: “This is not over. We will appeal. We will prevail.”
“I did not advocate for legal marijuana while I served in the Senate but, like many other Americans, my viewpoint has vastly evolved in recent years.”