Area Lawmakers offer their take on the marijuana debate

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Dakota Broadcasting)- Marijuana was a hot topic at this weekend’s legislative cracker barrel.  Three lawmakers showed up to give an update on what they are working on in Pierre and take questions from constituents.  The three that were in attendance included District One Rep. Democrat Jennifer Keintz, District Three Rep. Republican Carl Perry and District Three Senator Al Novstrop.

On Monday a circuit court judge ruled Amendment A which legalized recreational marijuana in South Dakota is unconstitutional.  That decision nullified 54 percent of voters who said yes last November.  Less than 48 hours after that decision, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem requested an additional year to get IM-26 implemented.  IM-26 was passed by over 70 percent of the vote and legalized medical marijuana in South Dakota.

Representative Jennifer Keintz thought it was not coincidence this delay request came after Amendment A was struck down.

Representative Carl Perry says he agrees that the will of the voters should be respected and it is their job to implement IM26.  However, he agrees with the delay because he feels there are too many questions still unanswered and this delay is not indefinite.

Senator Al Novstrop called both Amendment A and IM-26 poorly written and admitted he was not convinced medical marijuana is a real thing.