South Dakota Cannabis News: Weekly Recap (6/25/21)

Jun 25

It was a busy week in the world of South Dakota cannabis. Here’s a recap:

SANFORD DOCTORS WILL BE ABLE TO RECOMMEND MEDICAL CANNABIS (TUESDAY)

“Sanford does not endorse or oppose the use of medical marijuana. The decision is up to each Sanford doctor and what they feel is medically best for their patients,” said Dr. Joshua Crabtree, clinic vice president for Sanford Health's Sioux Falls Region.

Read: Argus Leader “Sanford doctors cleared to recommend medical marijuana, Avera holds breath for state rules”

NO DECISION ON AMENDMENT A (THURSDAY)

Many observers expected the South Dakota Supreme Court to issue a ruling on the Amendment A case on Thursday (6/24/21) because the court releases its opinions on Thursday mornings and this was the last Thursday before July 1 (the original effective date of the law). However, no ruling was issued.

Greg Sattizahn, State Court Administrator, stated that Amendment A is considered unconstitutional until and unless the South Dakota Supreme Court reverses the lower court ruling that invalidated Amendment A.

Read: KELO “Amendment A ruling not expected before July 1”

Read: Mitchell Republic “South Dakotans await a recreational marijuana ruling at state's supreme court”

PROPOSED RULES FOR THE MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM (THURSDAY)

On Thursday (6/24/21), the South Dakota Department of Health released its proposed rules for the state’s medical cannabis program.

Read: Argus Leader “South Dakota health department proposes a $5,000 yearly fee for commercial cannabis businesses”

Read: Black Hills Pioneer “Health officials release proposed medical marijuana rules”

Read: KELO “From possessing medical marijuana to growing and selling it: Rules proposed by SD health department”

The Department will be hosting two telephone town-hall public input sessions on Monday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT. From the Department: “The public will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide their feedback and listen to the latest updates on the implementation of IM-26.” You can register for either session through medcannabis.sd.gov/

Read: KELO “S.D. draft rules on medical marijuana are focus of state’s telephone ‘town hall’ meetings Monday”

NOEM'S INTERVIEW (THURSDAY/FRIDAY)

On Thursday (6/24/21), Governor Noem did an interview with KELO during which she made the claim that she has been a longtime support of medical marijuana. However, she campaigned against Measure 26 (see here and here). After voters approved Measure 26, she pushed the legislature to enact severe delays to the implementation of the medical cannabis program.

Watch: KELO “Governor Noem: ‘For years, I’ve said I’ve supported medical marijuana’”

Governor Noem also defended her lawsuit against Amendment A. She also said she would not support the legislature enacting a cannabis legalization law if Amendment A is overturned but said that South Dakotans should vote on a new ballot initiative in 2022.

Watch: KELO “Governor Noem on Amendment A and the future of recreational marijuana in South Dakota”

Finally, Governor Noem spoke about nonresident patients and the upcoming plans of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to implement their own medical marijuana program.

Watch: KELO “Gov. Noem on the legal complications of tribal medical marijuana programs opening July 1”

Governor Noem also discussed the timeline for implementation.

Watch: KELO “Implementing IM 26: Governor, author share different views on the timeline”

Governor Noem’s office later released a full audio of the interview.

Listen: Governor Kristi Noem Youtube “Gov. Noem's Keloland Interview on Medical Marijuana: Full Audio”

FLANDREAU SANTEE SIOUX TRIBE (FRIDAY)

On Friday (6/25/21), the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe announced its plan to open its medical cannabis dispensary on July 1, 2021.

Read: Argus Leader “Flandreau tribe will open South Dakota's first ever marijuana dispensary on July 1”

Read: Associated Press “Flandreau Santee Sioux to Open Medical Cannabis Dispensary”

Read: Dakota News Now “South Dakota’s first medical marijuana dispensary opening in Flandreau”

Read: KELO “Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe plans to open cannabis dispensary next week”

Read: Rapid City Jounal “Flandreau Santee Sioux to open cannabis dispensary July 1”