People wait in line at RISE Medical Marijuana Dispensary on the morning that cannabis sales became legal in New Jersey on April 21, 2022, in Paterson, New Jersey. Across the state, 13 dispensaries opened where New Jersey residents over 21 years of age were able to legally buy marijuana. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
It’s like something out of the “Twilight Zone”: Imagine a world where marijuana is legal, but there’s no one who can sell it to you. You’ve entered a place where the will of the people bumps up against the ideals of the Legislature. You’ve entered … South Dakota.
This state may be headed to the Twilight Zone if Initiated Measure 29 is approved by voters. The measure allows the possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana and six marijuana plants. There are also provisions that allow the possession of marijuana edibles and cannabis concentrates.
The measure calls for the transfer of marijuana “without consideration.” That means someone has to give it to you for free. Maybe your friend with six marijuana plants will be nice enough to give you a little. There will be no legal marijuana sales — except through the existing medical marijuana program — until the Legislature takes action to authorize retail sales.