PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — Governor Kristi Noem gives qualified support to a new hemp bill in the 2020 State Legislature, but only reluctantly.
“My position on hemp hasn’t changed. I still don’t think it’s a good idea for the state of South Dakota,” says Noem at a news conference as a House Committee unanimously approves the new bill.
Apparently the Governor’s staff has worked with lawmakers to address at least some of Noem’s concerns, including making sure industrial hemp has a very low THC content. THC is the ingredient in marijuana that makes you high.
The new bill still doesn’t address Noem’s concerns about where the money will come from to fund a new hemp control program.
“I didn’t put hemp funding in my budget. It was not included because, for me, it’s not a priority. I’ve been very clear that I still don’t think it’s a very good idea.”
But Noem says she’s hopeful that her administration and lawmakers will get to a point where there is a bill that “responsibly” addresses the program and she’ll consider signing it.
Noem has come a long way on hemp. She vetoed last year’s bill.
Many farm groups support legalizing hemp to give South Dakota farmers another cash crop. The USDA now has guidelines for hemp.
