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(Greater Dakota News Service) As South Dakotans approach a vote on recreational cannabis, a new paper makes recommendations to policymakers on implementing its legality.

The American College of Physicians suggests lawmakers take a public health approach to cannabis control in places where recreational use is legal. It could soon include South Dakota, if voters approve a ballot measure in November.

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Dr. David Hilden, chair of the Health and Public Policy Committee for the American College of Physicians, said the approach considers not just the effects of legalization on people who use cannabis but on communities at large.

"States that legalize cannabis should consider: What framework are you giving for marketing? For advertising? What safeguards are in place for the content of your cannabis? What about the effects on our roadways?" Hilden outlined.

South Dakota voters approved medical and recreational cannabis use in 2020. But in a case reaching the state's Supreme Court, the recreational-use vote was overturned on a technicality over how changes are made to the state's constitution.

Hilden acknowledged people both for and against cannabis legalization tend to have "fairly firm beliefs" it is either a safe or dangerous substance. The safety of its use likely lands more in the middle, he said, and he wants governments to support research around what is still unknown.

"Voters don't have all of that information at their fingertips," Hilden pointed out. "It is up to state governments, public health agencies, the federal government, to do that scientific inquiry into the benefits and the harms, and then put some safeguards in place."

This Election Day will be the third time recreational cannabis use has gone to voters in South Dakota.