Pro-Cannabis Group in South Dakota Accuses Officials of Illegal Election Interference

The group behind the 2020 medical marijuana proposal in South Dakota has accused several officials of being involved in an illegal campaign against cannabis promotion measures in the state.

A new approach South Dakota said on Tuesday it had filed a request for information to find out if officials violated the state’s election law by speaking out against cannabis-related proposals.

“Your tax dollars should not be used to further a politician’s personal political agenda.” The group said in a Facebook post“No state, agency of the state, county, municipality, or governing body of any other subdivision of the state shall spend or authorize the spending of public funds for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of any candidate. or petitioning a ballot question on a ballot, or adopting or denying a ballot question. This section shall not be construed as a restriction on the freedom of speech of any division This section is intended for the sole purpose of It does not prohibit the presentation of factual information.”

according to dakota news nowthe group “sent a number of information requests to government agencies across the state that they say may have violated state law by speaking out against the marijuana policy.”

Officials in question include leaders of South Dakota’s two largest cities, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Tenhaken and Rapid City Mayor Steve Arender, as well as the sheriffs of the state’s largest counties.

As dakota news now explain, State law states that “any public official or official of the State is permitted to express an opinion on a candidate or ballot measure in his or her personal capacity.” It also states that it cannot influence any candidate or ballot measure in an official capacity.”

South Dakota voters have approved a proposal to legalize medical cannabis treatment in 2020. That same year, a majority of voters in the state also passed Amendment A. Recreational cannabis was also legalized.

However, Amendment A was eventually overruled by the state Supreme Court following a legal challenge led by state Republican Governor Kristi Noem.

Next week, voters there will decide on Commencement Measure 27, a new recreational marijuana proposal.

Around dakota news nowNew Approach South Dakota, claims that “TenHaken, Milstead, Allender and others may have broken these laws. [the 2020 medical marijuana measure] and Amendment A for 2020, and about [Initiated Measure 27]”

Among the potential violations are “a press conference held a week earlier in downtown Sioux Falls featuring Ten Haken, Milstead, and others, and a press conference in Rapid City the same day.” according to dakota news now.

“The decision to do this and call for this has not been an easy one. There weren’t.They deal with a very strong political system in the state.” New Approach South Dakota Deputy Director Ned Horstead said, as quoted by the station:

Polls show that Bill 27, which has been launched, is in serious danger of being rejected next week, but Noem said he will implement the law if approved by voters.