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The South Dakota Senate on Wednesday approved bills to legalize marijuana in the state, set up a regulatory infrastructure for sales if voters approve a reform initiative at the ballot and provide for expungements for low-level cannabis offenses. These actions follow a Tuesday House vote to defeat a separate measure meant to set up a tax model and other regulations for the market. These developments also come as activists continue to explore ways to end prohibition legislatively or through the ballot. South Dakota voters already approved legalization during the 2020 election, but the reform was struck down by the state Supreme Court following a challenge from the governor's office. Now, the Senate has advanced SB 3 in a 18-17 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michael Rohl (R), cleared the Commerce and Energy Committee last week and will now advance to the House. It would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis from licensed retailers. Home cultivation would not be permitted, however, unlike under a ballot measure that activists have been collecting signatures for. The state Department of Revenue would be responsible for regulating the adult-use program and promulgate rules related to issues such as transportation and registration. — Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don't miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access. — Local municipalities would be able to opt out of allowing marijuana businesses within their jurisdiction. The bill also stipulates that nobody with a felony conviction could hold a cannabis business license—a provision likely to…

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Source : South Dakota Senate Approves Marijuana Legalization And Expungements Bills, While House Defeats Tax Measure

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