As residents of South Dakota, we demand that our state lawmakers move swiftly to end the failed policy of marijuana prohibition and criminalization.

Never in modern history has there existed greater public support for ending the nation's nearly century-long experiment with marijuana prohibition. The 2019 legislative session will be crucial for state lawmakers to make marijuana law reform a priority.

The continued criminalization of adult marijuana use is out of step with the views of adults throughout America. Support for legalization of marijuana is at an all-time high; 68% of voters support the legalization and regulated sales of marijuana, including majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

The ongoing enforcement of cannabis prohibition financially burdens taxpayers, encroaches upon civil liberties, engenders disrespect for the law, impedes legitimate scientific research into the plant's medicinal properties, and disproportionately impacts communities of color.

It is time for state lawmakers to acknowledge this reality. It is time to stop ceding control of the marijuana market to untaxed criminal enterprises and for lawmakers to implement common-sense regulations governing cannabis' personal use by adults and licensing its production.

Signed,