News » Live in Mass or South Dakota? MMJ Will Be On Your Ballot!





Voters in both Massachusetts and South Dakota will have medical marijuana legalization on their ballots this November.

In Massachusetts, the measure is a non-binding and appears on the ballot on about 12% of the state population’s ballots. Several MMJ reform groups in the state petitioned in several cities and counties to get the measure on the ballot. This isn’t the first time these groups have gotten these public policy question (PPQ) issues on the ballot, including marijuana decriminalization (successful in 2008).

These PPQs are seen by state lawmakers as good indicators of the public’s thoughts on an issue and can often guide policy. Let’s hope it guides Mass. in the right direction this year! Read more details at the Medical Marijuana Blog.

In South Dakota, things are a little simpler. A ballot measure was first introduced in 2006 and narrowly lost, but supporters hope that things have changed enough that it might pass this time around. The current measure is very similar to those in relatively restrictive states like New Jersey and Michigan.

The law up for vote would not allow dispensaries, but would allow designated (and heavily restricted) caregivers to grow for patients. It also requires specific physician certification of the need for MMJ and both patients and caregivers must be registered with the state.

Regardless, it’s a foot in the door, at least and could make South Dakota state #15 that has an MMJ law.

[source KCAU TV]

Tags: mass, Massachusetts, medical, MMJ, South Dakota