BROOKINGS, SD – The Dakota Rural Action Board of Directors has voted to support both marijuana issues on the ballot this fall.
Amendment “A” would allow recreational use while IM-26 would regulate medicinal marijuana.
Board Member Nick Nemec of Holabird says much of the support grew from personal experience. “A lot of members had expressed that they had personal experience with a family member using marijuana to alleviate symptoms caused by a medical issue.”
Nemec says there is too much state money spent on enforcing marijuana laws. “We’re using too much government resources and tax dollars chasing after marijuana use. It’s money that could be better spent on any number of things.”
Nemec says legalization in places like Colorado has shown that marijuana can be a money maker for states. “The experience in Colorado shows it’s a source of tax income for the state. Along with that, it’s a source of new economic development.”
Both issues were placed on the ballot through the public petition process.
