From KXLG by Steve Jurrens October 18 2024
{KXLG – South Dakota} There are several ballot questions to consider while researching for information. One such question is whether to legalize cannabis. Late last week, the South Dakota State-Tribal Relations Committee passed a determination recognizing the potential benefits of Initiated Measure 29 for state-tribal relations. The determination states, “Measure 29 could positively impact tribal relations by growing economic development, reducing underage access, and eliminating jurisdictional enforcement challenges.”
The motion, proposed by Senator Michael Rohl and seconded by Representative Peri Pourier, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, passed with a 5-2 vote. However, Representatives Pourier and Senator Red Dawn Foster voted against the motion as they await the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s position on the 2024 ballot questions.
Peter Lengkeek, Chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, testified before the committee, highlighting the positive effects witnessed by his tribe after adopting a cannabis legalization policy. He noted that the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe’s revenue allocation plan dedicates 20% of cannabis revenue to public housing and 10% to an elderly facility. Lengkeek also reported a 19% decrease in painkiller dependence at the local clinic since cannabis regulation efforts began.
Bryce In The Woods, Council Representative for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, also testified, underscoring the economic opportunities cannabis legalization could bring, including job creation and skill-building for the tribes.
Matthew Schweich, Executive Director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, presented to the committee in support of Initiated Measure 29. “Right now, the state maintains a policy of prohibition that needlessly aggravates community relations… Legalization of cannabis will improve state-tribal relations in South Dakota,” Schweich argued.
Senator Shawn Bordeaux, representing District 26A, commented on the need for unified state and tribal laws on cannabis. “Yankton [Sioux Tribe] has also approved recreational marijuana, but try stepping into the road, and all of a sudden, you’re on state land. That’s a problem… The state and the tribes have got to be one on this issue for all of South Dakota,” Bordeaux stated.
Schweich further noted that the Oglala Sioux Revenue Office reported $1.3 million in cannabis sales revenue in the first two-quarters of tribal legalization in 2022, generating about $165,000 in tax revenue. This revenue supports community safety and development and Native American entrepreneurs, a group historically excluded from cannabis legalization revenue.
The committee’s recognition of Initiated Measure 29’s potential benefits marks a significant step toward improving state-tribal relations and addressing longstanding challenges in South Dakota.
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