The future of recreational marijuana in South Dakota is hazy after several recent polls on the issue show conflicting results.
Initiated Measure 27 is on the November ballot. It allows people 21 and over to use marijuana recreationally in South Dakota.
A new survey from The SDSU Poll suggests support for the measure slightly trails opposition – 45% supporting it, compared to 47% against it.
The results were released just days after a marijuana advocacy group released its own internal polling showing 54% support IM 27.
Meantime, a July poll commissioned by South Dakota News Watch found 54% opposed recreational marijuana.
David Wiltse is the director of the SDSU poll. He considers the race a “virtual tie” – and that it could come down to independents.
“Democrats were pretty solidly behind it, roughly 71 to 20. Republicans solidly against it, 68 to 24," Wiltse said. "Independents were basically at 51 supporting, 48 opposing. So they could be the key to this thing passing.”
The election is Nov. 8.
