SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — It appears the chances for a special session of the South Dakota legislature this spring are very low, meaning medical marijuana legislation will likely go into effect unchanged from the measure voters approved in November.
Gov. Kristi Noem had said a special session would be needed to amend medical marijuana rules and deal with the billions of new federal dollars coming to the state.
“I think at this time this is going to go into effect like the people voted on, and then we’ll see if there are any changes that need to be made next session,” Peterson said.
The voter-approved law takes effect July 1. Peterson said local governments should work with the state revenue and health departments as they develop rules for the rollout of medical marijuana.
Regarding the federal money, House Majority Leader Kent Peterson says they’re not in a rush to spend it this time around. The legislature had a hard deadline of December 31 to spend the initial round of federal relief, but can wait as late as 2024 this time, he said.
Lawmakers are also waiting on some guidance from the federal government on exactly what the funds can be used for.
(Jerry Oster, WNAX, contributed this report.)
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