South Dakota
Easing federal marijuana rules: There’s still a long way to go • South Dakota Searchlight
Nearly three weeks after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration proposed loosening a federal prohibition on marijuana, the next phases of policy fights over the drug’s status are starting to take shape.
Public comments, which the DEA is accepting on the proposal until mid-July, will likely include an analysis of the economic impact of more lenient federal rules.
Administrative law hearings, a venue for opponents to challenge executive branch decisions, will likely follow, with marijuana’s potential for abuse a possible issue.
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Congress, meanwhile, could act on multiple related issues, including banking access for state-legal marijuana businesses and proposals to help communities harmed by the decades of federal prohibition.
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon and longtime advocate for legalizing marijuana who’s retiring at the end of the year, is encouraging his colleagues to build on the administration’s action by taking up bills on those related issues.
The politics of the issue should favor action, even in the face of an upcoming campaign season that typically slows legislative action, Blumenauer said in a May 17 interview, noting the popularity of a more permissive approach to the drug.
“Congress may not do a lot between now and November, but they should,” the 14-term House member said. “Because it’s an election year, there’s no downside to being more aggressive.”
Economic impact
In a proposed rule published in the Federal Register last month, the DEA specifically asked commenters to weigh in on the economic impacts of moving the drug from Schedule I to the less-restrictive Schedule III list under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
That will likely mean the agency will consider the impact of allowing state-legal marijuana businesses to deduct business expenses from their federal taxes, Mason Tvert, a partner at Denver-based cannabis policy and public affairs firm Strategies 64, said in an interview. Under current law, no deductions are allowed.
That issue is seen by advocates, including Blumenauer and fellow Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden, who chairs the tax-writing U.S. Senate Finance Committee, as paramount for the industry.
Thousands of state-legal businesses struggle to earn a profit or operate at a loss under the current system, Blumenauer said.
Potential for abuse
The DEA typically looks at three factors when assessing how strictly to regulate a drug: its medicinal value, potential for abuse relative to other drugs and ability to cause physical addiction.
A 2023 analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that looked at data from states where medicinal marijuana is legal showed that “there exists some credible scientific support for the medical use of marijuana.”
That finding could lead DEA to look at other factors, Tvert said.
“The battleground that we’ll see will be around how we define potential for abuse,” he said.
Agencies split?
But the DEA proposed rule revealed a divided view among government agencies about the drug’s potential harms, Paul Armentano, the deputy director for the longtime leading advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, told States Newsroom.
The text of the proposed rule shows “a lack of consensus” among HHS, the Attorney General’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, he said.
“There are several points in the DEA’s proposed rule where they express a desire to see additional evidence specific to concerns that the agency has about the potential effects of cannabis, particularly as they pertain to abuse potential and potential harms,” Armentano said.
“The HHS addresses those issues, but the DEA essentially says, ‘We’d like to see more information on it.’”
Kevin Sabat, the president and CEO of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, agreed that the DEA did not appear to agree with the HHS conclusion that medical uses exist.
The proposed rule “just brings up all these issues with the HHS’s determination and it basically invites comment on all those issues,” he said.
Administrative law hearing
Sabat’s group will also be petitioning for a DEA administrative hearing, he said. An administrative law judge could rule that the proposal should not go through or that it should be amended to remain stricter than the initial proposal described.
“We’re going to highlight the fact that, first of all, this does not have approved or accepted medical use,” he said.
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Tvert said the accepted medical value question is likely not to be a major factor in an administrative law hearing. Several medical organizations and states that allow medicinal use have already endorsed its medicinal value, he said.
Instead, the focus will turn to the drug’s potential for abuse, he said.
“What will be critical is looking at cannabis relative to other substances that are currently II or III or not on the schedule, and determining whether cannabis should be on Schedule I when alcohol is not even on the schedules and ketamine is Schedule III.”
As of June 6, nearly 12,000 people had commented on the proposal in the 18 days since its publication.
While opinion polls show that most Americans favor liberalizing cannabis laws — a Pew Research Center survey in March found 57% of U.S. adults favor full legalization while only 11% say it should be entirely illegal — the public comments so far represent a full spectrum of views on the topic.
“This rule is a horrible idea, this should remain in Schedule I,” one comment read. “Marijuana is a gateway drug and ruins lives.”
“There are no negative side effects to its use,” another commenter, who favored “fully” legalizing the substance, wrote. “Its not harmful. The only harm is what the government has done to me and America. Shame on the people that continue to oppose this. Seriously shame on anyone that would stand in the way of this change.”
Congressional action?
Blumenauer authored a memo last month on “the path forward” for reform as the rescheduling process plays out.
He listed four bills for Congress to consider this year.
One, sponsored by House Democrats, would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substance Act schedule entirely and expunge prior offenses.
A bipartisan bill would make changes to the banking laws to allow state-legal businesses greater access to loans and other financial services.
Another, cosponsored with Florida Republican Brian Mast, would allow Veterans Administration health providers to discuss state-legal medicinal marijuana with veteran patients.
Blumenauer has also co-written language for appropriations bills that would prevent the Department of Justice from prosecuting marijuana businesses that are legal under state or tribal law.
“All of these things are overwhelmingly popular, they’re important, we have legislative vehicles and supporters,” he said.
Still, there may be disagreements about what to pursue next.
Recent years have seen disagreements among Democratic supporters of legalization over whether to prioritize banking or criminal justice reforms.
A banking overhaul has much greater bipartisan support, and advocates on all sides of the issue agree it’s the most likely to see congressional action.
But some who support changes to banking laws in principle object to focusing on improving the business environment without first addressing the harms they say prohibition has caused to largely non-white and disadvantaged communities.
As recently as 2021, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described banking reform legislation as too narrow. Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, called it a “common-sense policy” but said that he favored a more comprehensive approach.
“I’ve gone around with Cory on that,” Blumenauer said. “More than anybody in Congress, I’m in favor of the major reforms, and we’ve been fighting for racial justice and equity … but (racial justice and banking reforms) are not mutually exclusive.”
In September, Booker agreed to co-sponsor the banking reform bill after winning a promise from Schumer that a separate bill to help expunge criminal records would also receive a vote. Neither measure has actually received a floor vote.
In a statement following the administration’s announcement on rescheduling, Booker praised the move, but called for further action from Congress.
That includes passing a bill he’s sponsored that would decriminalize the drug at the federal level, expunge the records of people convicted of federal marijuana crimes and direct federal funding to communities “most harmed by the failed War on Drugs,” according to a summary from Booker’s office.
“We still have a long way to go,” Booker said in the statement on rescheduling. “Thousands of people remain in prisons around the country for marijuana-related crimes. They continue to bear the devastating consequences that come with a criminal history.”
Blumenauer said Congress should act on the proposals that have widespread support from voters.
“This not low-hanging fruit, this is having them pick it up off the ground,” he said. “There is no other controversial issue that has as much bipartisan support that’s awaiting action.”
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(SOUTH DAKOTA SEARCHLIGHT) – Democrats are running for 46 of South Dakota’s 105 legislative seats — leaving 56% of seats without a Democratic candidate.
That doesn’t bode well for the party ahead of November, said Michael Card, professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Dakota.
“It doesn’t put them in a position to actually put forward their ideological policy preferences and have much of a success at getting those enacted,” Card said.
In the state Senate alone, Democrats have failed to field a candidate for 22 seats, which is nearly two-thirds of the chamber. In the House, Democrats have failed to field a candidate for 38 seats, which is 54% of the chamber.
There is only one Democratic legislative primary in the state: a state Senate race in District 26, which includes the Rosebud Reservation.
There are no statewide Democratic primaries, after announced candidates for governor and U.S. House dropped out or failed to gather enough petition signatures to make the ballot, leaving one Democrat in each of those races.
Statewide candidates will have less name recognition than Republican candidates ahead of the general election, since they didn’t have primaries, Card said. In the Legislature, Card said Democrats “are guaranteeing they won’t get a majority.”
In contrast, Republicans have primary races for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Five legislative districts do not have Republican primaries, but do have Republican candidates. There is a Republican candidate running for every legislative seat, except for one House seat in District 27, which includes the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Card said there are several factors leading to poor candidate turnout among Democrats, including a self-fulfilling cycle of failure.
“A lack of winning makes fewer people willing to take a chance on running for office,” Card said. “Why run if I think I’m going to lose?”
Democrats haven’t held a statewide office since 2015, and they haven’t held a majority of either legislative chamber since 1994.
Joe Zweifel, deputy executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, said the organization worked “really, really hard” to convince Democrats to run for office.
“But you can’t force people to run for office,” said Zweifel, of Sioux Falls, who’s running for a legislative seat himself in District 12.
He’s heard the open seats called a “failure.” But he disagrees, choosing to focus on the Democrats who did step forward.
“We’re running quality, good candidates in those races,” Zweifel said.
The South Dakota Democratic Party hopes to build on legislative successes, such as a new law from Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, that commits state funding to cover the family portion of reduced-price school meals.
“That specifically is a return on investment for our donors, and it shows that Democrats are doing good things for the people of South Dakota,” Zweifel said.
Wittman’s success helped inspire Democratic District 13 House of Representatives candidate Ali Rae Horsted, of Sioux Falls, to take a second run at the Legislature. Horsted ran unsuccessfully for the Senate against Sen. Sue Peterson in 2024, garnering 42% of the vote.
Horsted plans to build on that success and the name recognition she already has in the district. She hopes she’ll have “better odds” in this election, since there are two House seats for every district.
Horsted said it would better serve South Dakota if the state had a more balanced Legislature. While the latest Legislature was 92% Republican, 52% of voters in South Dakota are Republican. South Dakota has the lowest percentage of Democrats, 7.6%, in the Legislature nationwide.
“I think it’s important that people have options on the ballot,” Horsted said, “and people are able to vote for candidates that represent their values and their vision for the future of South Dakota.”
Makenzie Huber is a lifelong South Dakotan who regularly reports on the intersection of politics and policy with health, education, social services and Indigenous affairs. Her work with South Dakota Searchlight earned her the title of South Dakota’s Outstanding Young Journalist in 2024, and she was a 2024 finalist for the national Livingston Awards.
South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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From East River to West River, South Dakota communities share a common goal: creating places where people of all ages can live, work and thrive. AARP’s Domains of Livability provide a framework to help communities do just that. Through the AARP Community Challenge grant program—designed to spark quick, impactful local projects—South Dakota communities are turning big ideas into visible, people-centered improvements.
Read the South Dakota Community Challenge Grant Report, which showcases grant-funded projects across the state designed to build more livable communities.
What Are AARP’s Domains of Livability?
AARP’s approach to livable communities is rooted in eight interconnected domains that together support quality of life at every age:
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings – Safe, accessible parks, streets and public buildings
- Transportation – Affordable, accessible options for getting around
- Housing – A range of choices that support independence
- Social Participation – Opportunities to connect, learn and have fun
- Respect and Social Inclusion – Communities that value people of all backgrounds and ages
- Civic Participation and Employment – Meaningful ways to engage and contribute
- Communication and Information – Clear, accessible ways to stay informed
- Community Support and Health Services – Access to services that support well-being
These domains work best when addressed together—something South Dakota communities are embracing.
Turning Vision into Action with Community Challenge Grants
AARP Community Challenge grants fund short-term, “quick-action” projects that can ignite long-term change. Across South Dakota, these grants have helped communities pilot ideas, build momentum and demonstrate what’s possible when residents put people first.
Here’s how local projects are bringing the Domains of Livability to life:
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Communities have used grants to enhance parks, create pop-up public spaces, add benches and shade and install wayfinding signs. These improvements invite people to linger, gather, and enjoy shared spaces—supporting both physical activity and social connection.
- Transportation: Small, thoughtful transportation projects can make a big difference. Community Challenge grants have supported safer crossings, improved walkability and bikeability around key destinations and the planning or installation of transit amenities like shelters and seating—especially important for older adults and people with mobility challenges.
- Housing and Community Support: Some projects focus on helping residents age in place by improving access to information about home modification resources or by testing neighborhood-level solutions that connect people to services. These efforts strengthen independence and peace of mind.
- Social Participation and Inclusion: Murals, community events and creative placemaking projects funded by AARP grants have sparked community pride and social connection. By involving residents in design and implementation, these projects foster respect, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging across generations.
- Communication, Civic Participation and Opportunity: From hosting community conversations to creating new tools for sharing local information, South Dakota communities are using grants to engage residents in shaping their future. These efforts elevate local voices and encourage ongoing civic participation.
Vermillion is a college town built around a historic Main Street with an urban feel. With the University of South Dakota just about a mile away, the stretch stands apart for its youthful energy and academic culture. Best explored on foot, Main Street pairs 19th-century brick storefronts with stops like Café Brulé and the nostalgic Coyote Twin Theater. Murals and sculptures add pops of color to the town center, including works from Mural on the Wall and the Mirrored Medicine Wheel. Below are some of the downtown’s best highlights.
Walkable, Accessible, And Student-Friendly
Since most of downtown Vermillion is centered on Main Street, the district is compact and pleasant to stroll. Better yet, walking here from the University of South Dakota only takes about 20 minutes, making it accessible for students without cars. In recent years, the Vermillion Downtown Streetscape project has also enhanced pedestrian accessibility and safety. By implementing ramps, wider sidewalks, and well-placed crosswalks, navigating downtown Vermillion is easier and safer than ever.
Parking In Downtown Vermillion
Alongside its pedestrian-friendly improvements, the Vermillion Downtown Streetscape project made sure to maintain ample parking. Main Street and the first blocks along its north and south side streets offer plenty of free parking for locals and visitors alike. Removing the hassle of parking meters, you can explore downtown Vermillion without stressful time constraints.
Charming Architecture
With many buildings built between 1880 and 1942, history cements downtown Vermillion. Main Street stands out for its historic facades, where brick storefronts tell a story. After a fire destroyed much of the street in the late 19th century, a town ordinance banned wood-frame buildings from the district, explaining the streetscape we see today.
Some main street structures predate the infamous fire, like the present-day Dakota Brick House restaurant. Other brick landmarks were rebuilt in accordance with the ordinance, like the Classical Revival-style Clay County Courthouse, constructed between 1912 and 1913. Coupled with old-fashioned lampposts and weave-patterned pavement inspired by Main Street’s brick buildings, downtown Vermillion is a living time capsule.
Cool Cafes And Shops
Like all the best college towns, Vermillion is fueled by caffeine, a cafe-culture haven. Main Street W houses cozy places like Café Brulé, which specializes in “comfort food, decadent desserts, and espresso coffee drinks with classic hospitality.” A few doors down, The Bean Community Coffeehouse is a favored spot for students, serving everything from sweet cream cold brews to Italian cream sodas.
If you grab a to-go order, shopping is a great follow-up. The stores in downtown Vermillion reflect its diverse population, with something for every budget and vibe. Cash-strapped students and retro enthusiasts are drawn to spots like the Civic Council Thrift Store, but you can also find clothing boutiques like Blue Monarch. For your next read or a new board game, Outside of a Dog Books & Games is another cute and welcoming store to hunt for a souvenir.
Public Art
As you continue strolling downtown, Vermillion’s award-winning outdoor art is impossible to miss. Since 2017, the Vermillion Community Mural Project (now Mural On the Wall) has decked out downtown with colorful and meaningful installations. The massive artworks depict Indigenous themes, elements of local culture, and messages of inclusion, including the “It Gets Better: Vermillion Pride” installation outside Café Brulé.
Vermillion is also known for its SculptureWalk, installed by the Vermillion Cultural Association. Much like the downtown murals, these 6 sculptures breathe life into the district, depicting themes like resilience and family, along with Indigenous culture. The Mirrored Medicine Wheel is a striking example, situated at the corner of Main Street and Elm. Bear in mind, 2026 marks a rotation for the Sculpture Walk, meaning locals and visitors can expect to see a new set of sculptures sometime in the spring.
Dining, Entertainment, And Nightlife
In the evening, downtown Vermillion sees no signs of slowing down. Foodies flock to Cee Cee’s 605 Scratch Kitchen & Bar for happy hour cocktails and made-from-scratch dishes, while Native-owned Dez From The Rez serves cultural comfort foods with a modern twist. Afterward, Main Street’s Coyote Twin Theater is a great follow-up for new film releases and freshly popped popcorn.
Once night falls, Vermillion’s bar scene keeps downtown alive. On Main Street, Carey’s Bar has served locals and students since 1954. Nearby, the Main Street Pub is favored for its classic bar bites, while XIX (19) Brewing Company specializes in good beer, good company, and themed trivia nights.
Explore Towns Near Vermillion
There are countless cool towns to explore near Vermillion if you want to keep the good times rolling. 30 minutes southeast, North Sioux City offers an eclectic range of entertainment. During the day, visitors can enjoy NASCAR races at the Park Jefferson Speedway. Later, evening calls for gaming on “The Strip,” a two-block gambling district with spots like Beano & Sherry’s Casinos.
For outdoor fun, the town of Beresford is a gateway to Union Grove State Park. A 20-minute drive from Vermillion, Union Grove is home to serene tree-studded hillsides, making it a popular place to picnic, hike, or spend a night under the stars. Alternatively, 30 minutes west of Vermillion, Yankton is a blend of both towns. At Riverside Park, visitors can stroll, fish, and picnic along the Missouri River. Further inland, Broadway Ave is dotted with casinos like the South Point Gaming Lounge.
A Day In Downtown Vermillion
While it’s helpful to have an itinerary, exploring downtown Vermillion can be even better with a bit of curiosity and spontaneity. Tucked in between its top bars, murals, and cafes, you could find a hidden hangout locals love or a piece of public art not detailed online. That being said, Vermillion’s top-frequented restaurants and shops are popular for good reason, so don’t be afraid to follow the crowds. No matter where you start, go, and end, this South Dakota downtown is an absolute joy to walk through.
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