STURGIS, S.D. — The Meade County Commission this week approved the renewal of the county’s sole medical cannabis license.
The approval came despite Puffy’s L.L.C. being 50 days late with their renewal application.
Commissioners narrowly approved the renewal on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Rich Liggett and Ted Seaman voting no.
Puffy’s didn’t submit their renewal license until December 20, although the deadline was November 1st.
Ryan Cwach, legal counsel for Puffy’s, said Meade County ignored the state’s deadline of Nov. 1 to approve local licenses to be submitted for state approval. He told commissioners since his client could not apply for its state license before the local license was approved, Meade County’s failure to meet the state’s deadline resulted in a delayed state license, and subsequent operations for the business. Cwach also blamed the county for the missed deadline, because courtesy reminders were not sent.
Commissioners had said those courtesy letters are just that – courtesy – and are not a requirement.
Commissioners, with their approval, issued a warning to Puffy’s that leniency will not be granted again.
