MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued a statement addressing President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on the reclassification of marijuana, which is intended to expand research into the drug’s potential medical use.
Jackley said he participated Thursday afternoon in a conference call with the White House, along with other state attorneys general, to discuss the implementation and impact of the Executive Order. He expressed appreciation for what he described as ongoing and open communication from the Trump administration.
During the call, Jackley said it was emphasized that the President’s goal is to facilitate additional research into the medical value of marijuana through its reclassification under federal law.
Jackley also stressed that reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance does not legalize marijuana for recreational use under federal law. He noted that current federal law does not allow licensed physicians to prescribe marijuana unless it receives approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Under South Dakota law, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use. It is permitted only for medical purposes with a valid prescription, a state-issued medical marijuana card, and purchase through a licensed medical marijuana facility.
The full Executive Order is available on the White House website.