South Dakota Attorney General Announces That He Will Not Defend Amendment A in the South Dakota Supreme Court

South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has announced that he will no longer defend Amendment A in court. South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, the statewide ballot question committee that passed Amendment A, along with the other defendants, will continue its legal defense.

In response, Melissa Mentele, lawsuit defendant and executive director of New Approach South Dakota, made the following statement:

"The Attorney General has abdicated his responsibility to represent the people of South Dakota. Simply put, he has decided to stop doing his job. The Attorney General's decision is difficult to understand given that he previously argued in court that Amendment A is completely lawful.

“We, as defendants, are prepared to stand alone in the South Dakota Supreme Court, representing the voters of our state, and defend Amendment A against this baseless lawsuit. We remain confident that Amendment A will be upheld."

Press coverage: “Attorney General's office will not appeal South Dakota legal marijuana decision” — Argus Leader, February 12, 2021.