Medical Marijuana

South Dakota is the only state to ever reject a move at legalizing medical marijuana. Voters rejected those efforts  in 2006, but supporters are trying again.

Petition circulators say they will have more than enough signatures to put the issue on next year's ballot, and they believe education and continued changes in public attitude will mean a victory for their cause.

Glaucoma and chronic pain sufferers have long lauded the effects of cannabis in treating their disease.

Critics accuse pot supporters of using medicinal marijuana as a smokescreen for legalizing the drug altogether.

Even if the measure passes, only a change in federal law can decriminalize the possession and distribution of marijuana in any form.