STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council on Monday night passed first reading of a temporary ordinance that will put a moratorium on the issuance of any medical marijuana dispensary license until the state comes up with its rules later this year.
As per the passage of Initiated Measure 26, medical marijuana becomes legal in South Dakota July 1st. However, the state of South Dakota has told municipalities it does not expect to have any rules in place until this fall.
The South Dakota Municipal League is recommending cities adopt temporary ordinances, however, before July 1. The recommendation originates from a concern that if a municipality does not have an adopted ordinance authorizing a rational to deny an application for a dispensary license as of July 1, an applicant would not be able to be denied.
That’s why the city of Sturgis does not plan to issue any until the state’s rules are in place.
