PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – The South Dakota Legislature passes a bill this morning (Monday) that adds Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the list of approved medical marijuana certifications.
SB 1 passed the House 36 to 32.
Republican Rep. Ernie Otten from Tea said adding PTSD gives people relief.
“Let’s first shoot the elephant in the room,” he said. “Is it medicine? No. It is for pain relief and allows somebody to sleep.”
Rep. Otten also said he was surprised at some people using cannabis that he would never have guessed were using it.
Republican Rep. Fred Deutsch (doi-itch) from Florence spoke against the measure.
“If we’re only looking at compassion, we’re not doing our job,” he argued.
He also said worldwide, there are plenty of studies that state that medical cannabis is not effective in treating PTSD.
The bill also allows the Legislature to determine which ailments or disorders qualify for medical marijuana.
Now, the state Department of Health makes those determinations.
The measure previously passed the Senate and now goes to Republican Gov. Kristi Noem for her consideration.
