Cannabis
Is Kristi Noem Trying to Retract South Dakota Cannabis Legalization…Again?
Poor South Dakota has some of the worst leadership out there. Case in point, Kristi Noem; who seems to be trying to take away yet another voter-approved cannabis legalization.
South Dakota and cannabis
Before getting into the current story, let’s go through the mess of South Dakota and its cannabis legalization measures; and what has already been taken away. In 2020, South Dakota made history by passing two cannabis legalization measures via voter ballot. One for medical, and one for recreational.
Measure 26, a medical legalization law, passed with 70% of voters saying yes. Amendment A, a ballot to institute an adult-use recreational market, also passed with 54% giving it a yes vote. South Dakota was the first state to pass a medical and recreational bill at the same time. However, problems started right away; all pushed by governor, Kristi Noem.
Noem didn’t do everything directly. Instead, she backhandedly conspired with local law enforcement officers Superintendent Rick Miller and Sheriff Kevin Thom. They were the ones that filed a lawsuit to invalidate the recreational win, by saying it broke the single-subject ballot rule. This rule indicates a ballot measure cannot cover more than one topic. Of course, this is automatically strange, as the state supreme court had to approve the language of this (and any) ballot measure, in order to get it onto the ballot. Meaning it was approved before the vote.
The conspiracy between the three was made public on January 8th 2021, when Noem filed an executive order to repeal the recreational win; which made it pretty clear this was all at her behest. Noem had worked hard to keep these measures off the ballot, so this move was in line with her stated opinion of not wanting legal weed in any capacity.
She must have forgotten that a voter ballot isn’t about her opinion. In the end, presiding judge for the case Christina Klinger, ruled in favor of Noem. Klinger had been appointed to her job by Noem earlier. Later in the year, the Supreme Court upheld it, even though arguments against it included that it violated the direct will of the people.
What’s more, Noem didn’t stop with taking away a fairly won voter ballot for recreational weed. She tried to get a bill approved in congress to delay the opening of the medical market for a year later than the enforced date on the ballot, of April 1, 2022. Luckily she did not succeed on this one. Ballot measures are much harder for a legislature to amend since they don’t originate in the legislature. This is likely why she worked to invalidate Amendment A, rather than try to amend it. Basically, the people of the state voted in two measures, and their own governor did everything she could to invalidate their desires.
It gets so weird, that in 2022, South Dakota again held a recreational ballot measure, to make up for the one taken away by its governor. But get this, in a country that only gets more liberal toward weed, and in a state that already passed a legalization measure two years prior (which means two further years of liberalization on this front), somehow, this one didn’t pass. Perhaps Kristi Noem at it again? Working to make sure South Dakotans don’t get a fair legalization…?
Current news on South Dakota and cannabis
The news coming out of South Dakota now, isn’t directly related to Kristi Noem. But, its also really good to remember that when she worked to take away the recreational legalization, she did it quite backhandedly, going through law enforcement, and having them make the official move. So, it suffices to say that its not that out-of-bounds to think that a new policy attempt to remove the medical legalization, is simply Noem at it again.
This time around, the person officially pushing for the retraction, is activist Travis Ismay. Not a member of law enforcement or the legislature. And a guy who brazenly and publicly responded to a country commissioner who explained how medical cannabis helped his dying mother, with the line that he ‘doesn’t care’.
He also, apparently, defended an email with jokes about a clan lynching in his home of Butte Country. His argument against medical cannabis? It might lead to meth… or some crazy nonsense like that. I expect the guy stands by what he says, I also expect he made a great patsy for Kristi Noem; who has been working to take away voter-won cannabis rights since they were won.
Anyway, Ismay filed a petition to get the medical legalization repealed. And he didn’t stop there. This non-politician is also trying to keep future cannabis measures from entering voter ballots. As in, this private citizen wants to take it upon himself to ensure that other private citizens of his state, don’t get their voices heard. Ismay filed this paperwork back in May.
Shockingly (or not, in this state), attorney general Marty Jackley released a summary of the ballot, indicating that if Ismay collects the necessary 17,509 validated signatures, that the measure can be voted on. Luckily this is unlikely, as 70% did pass the original measure back in 2020. However, in a state where legislators and law enforcement continuously stamp on the rights of their residents, it also can’t be ruled out.
New efforts for recreational ballot
If Ismay gets his way, he could prevent future ballot measures for legalization in the state, so long as cannabis is illegal federally. Luckily, activist group South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws is both working to block Ismay’s attempts; and gearing up for yet another recreational ballot measure in 2024. Unfortunately, it will not be for 2023. It seems Ohio is the only state with a voter ballot this election season; and it was a difficult process in that state too. There was so much push back from the legislature, it took an extra year.
In terms of dealing with Ismay, executive director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, Matthew Schweich, wrote to Secretary of State Monae Johnson, saying, as per Marijuana Moment, “We strongly believe that the rules of our state’s initiative process should be applied consistently to all South Dakotans. Therefore, we respectfully recommend that your office take the following action: revoke Ismay’s approved petition and direct him to refile it.”
Schweich continued that the petition to repeal doesn’t list the statutes meant to be undone; and in place of this, refers to “Exhibit A for the 95 sections that will be repealed.” However, an already existent statute makes clear that any petition must contain “the full text of the initiated measure.”
Explained Schweich, “Our interpretation of this statute is that a reference to additional text, in this case an exhibit, is not permissible. And even if a reference were permitted, in this instance ‘Exhibit A’ is not included anywhere on the petition. Furthermore, ‘Exhibit A’ is never defined in any previous initiative-related filing by Ismay with your office, the South Dakota Legislative Research Council, or the South Dakota attorney general.”
As of right now, South Dakota has 11,500 medical cannabis card holders. The expected number by 2024, wast 6,000; which shows medical cannabis is more popular than what the state predicted. By almost double. A retraction of the medical cannabis law would mean leaving these people who just won the right to have their medicine; completely without it. Talk about a state that really looks after its people! I guess Kristi Noem probably prefers that people take opioids. Or perhaps whatever opioid alternative is made by Sanford Health, her biggest contributor from 2009-2018.
Conclusion
Should South Dakota residents be afraid of losing their medical cannabis legalization? You’d think the answer would be a clear ‘no’ with a voter ballot that passed with 70% of the vote in 2020, and nearly twice as many medical patients as expected already enrolled. But in a state like South Dakota, this cannot be said for sure; as the governance has repeatedly gone out of its way, to trample on the well won rights of its people.
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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.
The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.
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Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.
One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.
Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.
Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.
Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.
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Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.
Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.
If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.
Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.
In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.
One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.
Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:
- Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
- Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
- Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.
The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019
These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.
As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.
Roughly 25% of people are planning to give cannabis as a holiday gift….here are some practical suggestions to make it a success.
Last year was a watershed year for Santa with 1 in 4 planning to add cannabis into their gift giving, the trend is only going up in 2024. Since the plant has become mainstream (except for a few in DC), it is to be found under the tree, next to the menorah and during festive gatherings. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend with 78% (vs. 56% of Gen X and Boomers) in planning to include cannabis in their holiday plans. But you you want to do it right, here are the best tips if you are giving marijuana as a gift.
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While giving alcohol is a long tradition, giving cannabis is does have some variances. To start, so far most can’t grab it out of personal stock or fish it out of Christmas gifts already given for the year. While Costco, groceries stores and Total Wine are the booze top sellers, it can be also purchased in bodegas, gas stations and other locations. Cannabis still has to be purchased at specialized dispensaries.
First, plan ahead when you shop. The good news is most dispensaries keep hours similar to a grocery store – open by 9 am and closing around or after 10 pm. This makes dashing in for a last minute gift or squeezing it in during the day easy. Remember to bring cash, have a plan and chill out.
The good news isyou can’t seem to be “cheap” giving weed. Most edibles are in a small price range, whereas wine bought at a grocery stores can go for $6-$100. And the quality of the wine can vary greatly. Most edibles, including gummies, are within the same price point and potency while caring on quality. Wana Brands, one of the nation’s leading gummy makers, hits the mid spot on price. Also, unless you are doing a hefty gift basket, you are can give one or two items as a trail.
Never overestimate someone’s usage. Think about the recipient’s experience level and preferences when selecting cannabis gifts. For most, consider starting with low-dose or CBD-dominant products. Gummies, vapes, oil, or gift cards are all popular choices. Also, ask the budtender what the best sellers for mid level consumers.
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If you are in the less than 50% of the population where legal cannabis is available, consider hemp beverages. It can provide a quick, similar high but is legal. In Texas, they are huge sellers and can be found in some Total Wines, local convenience stores and other locations.
Lastly, have a hint of discretion, it might not be the best public secret Santa gift, but gummies can be a fun White Elephant!
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