President’s Report

STEVE ALLENDER | SDML PRESIDENT

November 8, you’ll have the opportunity to vote on Initiated Measure 27, which if passed, will allow the recreational use of marijuana in our state.

A number of other states have approved both medical and recreational marijuana and today we benefit from the knowledge acquired by those other state’s officials, health systems, and citizens.

Soon, a massive pro-marijuana advertising campaign will launch and during this time, we must carefully review the facts and experiences that have been acquired by other states. Colorado is a glaring and close example for us to study:

• Traffic deaths in which drivers tested positive for marijuana increased 109% while all traffic deaths increase 31%. • Traffic deaths involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana more than doubled from 55 in 2013 to 115 people in in 2018. • The percentage of all Colorado traffic deaths that were marijuana related increased from 15% in 2013 to 23% in 2018. • Marijuana use over the past month for ages 12 and older increased 58% and is now 78% higher than the national average.

Colorado is ranked fourth in the nation. • Adult marijuana use increased 94% and is 96% higher than the national average. • College-age marijuana use increased 18% and is 48% higher than the national average, ranked sixth in the nation. • Youth marijuana use decreased 14% and is 40% higher than the national average currently ranked sixth in the nation. • The yearly number of emergency department visits related to marijuana increased 54% after the legalization of recreational marijuana. • The yearly number of marijuana related

hospitalizations increased 101% after the legalization of recreational marijuana. • Marijuana only exposures more than quadrupled in the six year average since recreational marijuana was legalized compared to the same six year average prior to legalization. • The percent of suicide incidents in which toxicology results were positive for marijuana has increased from 14% in 2013 to 23% in 2017. The myths that have helped marijuana gain support over the years are false:

• The black market has not been eliminated.

It has increased and has drawn the attention of Mexican drug cartels. • Marijuana tax revenue represents 0.9% (9/10 of 1 percent) of Colorado’s 2018 budget. Hardly the massive impact predicted by the pro-pot groups, and a fraction of the increases needed in public safety and public health.

After a few years of experience with medical and recreational marijuana, 64% of local jurisdictions in Colorado have band medical and recreational marijuana businesses.

We here in South Dakota should be smart enough and brave enough to learn from others’ examples and protect our youth, our citizens at large, and our futures from the negative impact of legalized drugs such as marijuana.

Recreational marijuana will not make South Dakota stronger. Please understand the facts and join us in keeping South Dakota safe. Please VOTE NO on Initiated Measure 27. ■