Statement on the Defeat of Measure 27
Yesterday was a sad day for many South Dakotans.
Initiated Measure 27, our ballot initiative to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over, failed at the ballot box.
Many people poured their hearts and souls into this campaign. We believed that we were doing the right thing for the people of South Dakota. We believed that we were doing it the right way by running an honest campaign that avoided negativity and vilification of others. We believed that our hard work and personal sacrifices would be worthwhile.
Those people feel real pain and disappointment today. I am one of them. There are many others.
I will have more thoughts to share soon, including what comes next. I'll also want to answer your questions. But, I think I need another day for all of that.
Right now, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, and supporters of the Yes on 27 Campaign. Thank you so much for everything you have done for this campaign.
For me, the best thing about the Yes on 27 Campaign was making new friends along the way. And the existing friendships that grew even stronger. It's something I've thought a lot about today. I hope you do as well.
Let's finish on a positive note, by looking back:
When we began our work in September 2019, South Dakota had some of the harshest cannabis laws in the country (and no medical cannabis laws whatsoever).
Since then, we have played a crucial role in enacting, defending, and implementing a medical cannabis policy for patients. While access is still too difficult, we can and will improve the program. We also preserved the affirmative defense policy included in Measure 26.
Our persistent efforts on recreational legalization have permanently changed the battle lines and helped protect the medical cannabis law from focused attacks by our opponents.
We helped to defeat Amendment C and preserve the initiative process for all issues in South Dakota.
Throughout that time, we've conducted ourselves with integrity. We have demonstrated strength and resilience and compassion. We have fought for people who needed our help. At every turn, we have always done what we believed served the interests of the people of South Dakota.
And in the end, we will prevail.
Matthew Schweich
Campaign Manager
Yes on 27 Campaign