It would be possible to possess small amounts of marijuana under an initiated measure that may hit the South Dakota general election ballot in 2016. Ryan Gaddy who supports decriminalizing marijuana in small amounts touts the potential savings brought about by his petition.
The figures were cited from an impact statement that examined the statewide effect which was prepared by the South Dakota Legislative Research Council. Gaddy says many states are moving in the direction of decriminalization.
Having paraphernalia would also be decriminalized as well under the proposed measure. If approved, a person that did possess an ounce or less of marijuana would be subject to a fine and potentially have the marijuana confiscated.