SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers have rejected a handful of rules proposals governing medical marijuana from Gov. Kristi Noem’s administration but approved the bulk of the program.
The legislature approved 143 of 149 proposed rules.
The Legislature’s Rules Review Committee, which is responsible for approving administration rules, effectively told the Department of Health to try again on a number of controversial rule proposals.
The law allowing medical marijuana, passed by 70% of voters last year, has seen a halting acceptance from officials trying to balance a clear mandate from voters while placing restrictions on medical marijuana.
Following the legislature’s endorsement of the rules, Governor Kristi Noem and Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon released the following statements:
“We are on track to implement a responsible medical cannabis program in South Dakota according to the direction given by the voters,” said Governor Noem. “I commend the Department of Health for its hard work to streamline the process. South Dakota will continue to implement the best, most patient-focused medical cannabis program in the country.”
“The passage of today’s proposed rules package by the committee is the result of months of work. It’s proof that the public engagement process works,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “I am disappointed the rules review committee chose to take out the list of specific medical conditions for qualifying medical cannabis patients, a list the Department promulgated based on public input.”
