Medical Marijuana Advocates Ready to File for S.D. Ballot

Supporters of a proposed South Dakota referendum on legalizing medical use of marijuana say they have gathered 30,000 petition signatures, far more than the 16,776 required to qualify for the November election.

The Associated Press reported Jan. 21 that advocates plan to file the signatures with the secretary of state’s office next week. If approved, the measure would allow individuals with debilitating pain, nausea, seizures, and other medical problems — including cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, and MS — to use marijuana to relieve their symptoms.

A similar ballot question failed in 2006, but did garner support from 48 percent of voters. Backers say that support for medical marijuana has increased since then.