PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Law enforcement and other state agencies would have more rights to inspect, search, and impose disciplinary actions against medical cannabis facilities under a bill passed by the Senate this afternoon.
SB71 ends the South Dakota Department of Health being the only entity with authority to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, testing, and manufacturing sites.
In previous committee action, opponents from the medical cannabis industry said nothing currently prevents law enforcement from searching a facility if they have probable cause.
The voters approved medical marijuana in 2020. Proponents said the reason for the law allowing only the Department of Health to inspect, etc. medical marijuana facilities was to protect the nascent industry. Proponents say the industry is mature and no longer needs such protection.
“I have been fighting this bill for three years now,” said Republican Sen. David Wheeler from Huron. “I’m not going to anymore. The industry has been around for a few years. I’m not aware of problems with dispensaries, no problems with law enforcement.”
No Senator spoke against the measure.
SB71 passed 26 to 7. It now goes to a House committee for further consideration.