[420 Girl]

Supporters of Initiated Measure 13 to legalize medical marijuana say the realities of this year's election are much different from 2006, when a measure to legalize medical marijuana in South Dakota failed by about 5,000 votes, and it's influenced the approach they've taken to the campaign.

In 2006, Democrats rode momentum into the general election, said Emmett Reistroffer, who heads the South Dakota Coalition for Compassion. Democrats gained control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that year.

This year, Republicans have the advantage, he said, and fewer Democrats and young people are expected to show up at the polls. That means Reistroffer's volunteers are spending a lot of time courting Republicans - especially West River.

"If you wanna win out there, you've gotta have Republican support," he said.

While Republicans at large remain skeptical, he said, the emergence of the tea party movement could prove helpful.

"I think our message resonates with some Republicans," he said.

The loosely knit group of conservatives who gained prominence through their opposition to health care reform is unified by the principles of limited government and responsible spending, said Tea Party of South Dakota organizer Mike Austad.

Austad said voters associated with the tea party are not predictible votes for medical marijuana, but they think government shouldn't stand in the way of individual medical decisions.

"We are a liberty-minded group, and we believe in personal responsibility," he said. "We have an open mind about this issue - at least some of us do."

Concerns about an increased burden on law enforcement or the possibility that the state would need to hire new employees to monitor medical marijuana licenses and users could work against the coalition.

Austad was on hand Thursday night when Reistroffer and others visited an informal meeting of Minnehaha County Republicans to pitch the initiative.

Kathryn Henning, an organizer of the weekly forums, said the issue barely has been on the radar for Republicans.

"I'd say there were a few more opposed than supportive," Henning said.

So far, the South Dakota State Medical Association, Attorney General Marty Jackley, the South Dakota Police Chiefs' Association and South Dakota Sheriffs' Association have opposed the measure.

Reistroffer said his side's energy helps their chances.

"The network that we have is so strong that we can get the word out without much money."


NewsHawk: MedicalNeed: 420 MAGAZINE
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