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.
Hello weed supporters! Thanks for making your way to Cannadelics.com; a top choice for independent coverage of the drugs world at large, with a focus on cannabis and psychedelics. Join us frequently to stay in-the-loop; and sign up for the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter; for an awesome range of product promos as well.
Related
Fall is the perfect time to play golf…not to warm and a great exercise…and marijuana can help you up your game.
The weather is getting pleasant in the Southern part of the US. From Florida to South California, courses are packed with players, golf carts and clubs swinging in the air. But how can marijuana help your golf game? In 2023, more than 26.6 million people participated on the golf course. This is a record number of participants playing 531 rounds of the game. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. And the younger set is embracing with 6 million playing. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. But it seems they are indulging in midweek golf as many work for home.
RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana
One of the key ways marijuana can potentially benefit your golf game is by reducing stress and anxiety. Golf is a mentally demanding sport with some players struggle with nerves. It can be especially high-pressure with all eyes on your performance for every swing. Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, has been shown to have calming effects that can help golfers relax and maintain focus.
Dosage is key, you want to be focused and relaxed, not on a full on trip. In moderate doses, some golfers report marijuana can enhance focus and sensory perception on the course. This heightened awareness can lead to improved reading of greens, better judgment of distances, and a keener sense of wind conditions.
By alleviating pre-game jitters and on-course anxiety, players may find themselves better able to execute shots and maintain composure throughout their round. This increased mental clarity can lead to more consistent performance and potentially lower scores.
After a few holes, the muscle-relaxing effects of certain cannabis strains can help golfers maintain a fluid, tension-free swing. This relaxation can contribute to improved technique and potentially greater distance off the tee.
RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails
For the more competitive players, quality sleep is crucial for athletic performance, including golf. Some players use cannabis products to improve their sleep quality, potentially leading to better recovery between rounds and improved overall performance.
Used correctly with the right strain and dosage, your game could be on parr with seasoned players.
Millions suffer, but relief could be here thanks to science and a simple plant. Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.
Medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment option for dysmenorrhea, offering hope for the tens of millions of women who suffer from menstrual pain. Current medical management options primarily consisting of over-the-counter pain relievers and hormonal contraceptives. The effectiveness of these treatments vary greatly.
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in uterine function and pain perception. Cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, as well as TRPV receptors, have been identified in human myometrial tissue. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a primary component of cannabis, can act as a cannabinoid agonist, potentially triggering myometrial relaxation and easing menstrual pain.
The potential benefits of cannabis for dysmenorrhea includes pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced reliance on pharmaceutical pain relievers. While research specifically on cannabis for dysmenorrhea is growing, studies on chronic pain provide some insights:
- A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios may offer moderate improvement in pain severity.
- A meta-analysis of 32 trials showed that medical cannabis or cannabinoids resulted in small to very small improvements in pain relief, physical functioning, and sleep quality among chronic pain patients.
There is significant interest in using cannabis for gynecologic pain management:
- A survey found that 61.2% of women who had never used cannabis and 90.0% of those who had were willing to try it for gynecologic pain.
- After cannabis legalization in Canada, current cannabis use increased from 13.3% to 21.5% among women with self-reported moderate-to-severe pelvic pain.
With th American Medical Association, American College of Physicians and even AARP recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis, it is critical more research is funded. Millions of women may be in pain needlessly due to untreated dysmenorrhea.
The holidays are fun and full of family, activities, and food. But does marijuana have a natural secret weapon to help you at least not gain weight this season?
The holidays are here – turkeys, pie, and family favorites. Along with Christmas cookies, holiday cocktails, everything adds up and starts to make a difference in how clothes fit. On average, people gain between 1-2 pounds in November and December. Some studies suggest people gain more, with an average of 2–5 pounds. But is marijuana’s THCV your natural holiday weight loss plan. While Ozempic has been the wonder drug of weight loss, cannabis a natural plant used for thousands of years in medicine. Why not use to look good also? Here is some information and also advice on how much to take and how it works.
The most famous cannabinoids are THC or CBD. Legal to over 50% of the country and used by millions across the country. While they are the most commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV. Although THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits.
Research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite, especially during the holidays.
It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food craving. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.
It is important to manage the dosage. Start with a low dose of 5-7.5mg of THCV for appetite suppression effects. Options for taking THCV include gummies, tinctures, vapes, or THCV-rich cannabis strains Take THCV in the morning to help with focus and energy. Start on teh weekend so you can make sure it works in a way which is comfortable. Consume it with food to increase absorption.
Gummies and tincture/oils are the easiest ways to consume to manage the dosage. Start with half a gummy or 1 full gummy (typically 10mg) and adjust based on your response. You can increase to 2 gummies per day if needed. For tinctures, start with half a dropper or less and adjust as needed. Take THCV about an hour before you normally start feeling hungry
RELATED: Which Is More Effective For Marijuana Patients, THC Or CBD?
THCV should be part of a healthy routine including exercise and proper rest. Research on cannabis continues, to using THCV is not a long term solution, consider it for the holidays. As usual, take to your health professional to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications. Start low and grow so you can pay attention how your body and mind reacts.
Green Dragon dispensaries, grow facility to remain open after cash infusion
How Marijuana Can Help Your Golf Game
Starbucks Disappoints Again This Holiday Season
Another Setback for Recreational Marijuana in Florida…
Margin Compression Madness – $1,000 Fine for Selling Weed at Too Low of a Price?
Driving Under The Influence of THC In Vermont
Long shot adult-use legalization effort launches in anti-marijuana Idaho
Latest Trump Weed Rumor – Trump Will Federally Deschedule and Decriminalize Cannabis, but Not Legalize It
Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
I Had Just One Puff
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
What you Need to Know
Drug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse
Your Go-To Source for Cannabis Logos and Designs
UArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
-
Cannabis News2 years agoDistressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
-
One-Hit Wonders2 years agoUnited States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
-
Cannabis 1012 years agoWhat you Need to Know
-
drug testing11 months agoDrug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
-
Education2 years agoNCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
-
Cannabis2 years agoIt has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
-
Marijuana Business Daily2 years agoCannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
-
California2 years agoA new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse