Another reason to vote “YES” on Measure 29

It’s never a slow day in South Dakota cannabis news! You may have read the recent South Dakota Searchlight article detailing a steep increase in registration fees for medical cannabis establishments – in case you missed it, it is linked in the button below. 

Towards the end of the article, SDBML Executive Director Matt Schweich stated that this unfortunate news for SD cannabis businesses is yet another argument in favor of legalizing cannabis in South Dakota. Fully legalizing cannabis could provide revenue to ease burdens on patients and providers.

While we have a medical cannabis program in place, the cost to acquire a card and the scarcity of medical cannabis dispensaries in rural areas create barriers for South Dakotans who are qualifying patients. Substantially raising fees on establishments will only increase difficulties for patients accessing their medicine.

However, we can win at the ballot this November and legalize cannabis for all South Dakotans 21 and older. Growing South Dakota’s potential cannabis consumer pool will lead to greater access for patients and decrease state fees for businesses. 

Measure 29 is a win for patients, a win for providers, and a win on policy.