CIASD News
As South Dakotans Wait for Supreme Court on Cannabis, Local Governments Prepare
In South Dakota, among the most complex states when it comes to cannabis, localities are moving ahead on medical as broader reforms loom.
NOV 17, 2021 6:55AM EST
South Dakota might just be the most complicated cannabis state in the U.S.
Last November, the state was the first in the nation where voters legalized for both medical and adult use on the same Election Day. But, since then, the adult use measure has remained under legal fire, while medical was allowed to proceed.
South Dakota issues first medical cannabis patient cards
Nov 22, 2021
South Dakota has printed and issued the first medical cannabis patient cards and the state's Department of Health remains confident in its capability to adjust to demand increases.
Daniel Bucheli, spokesman for the South Dakota Department of Health, said the department's ability to handle an influx of applications is due to the months of preparation that have gone into the medical cannabis program.
Analysis: We know who might sell medical cannabis in Sioux Falls, but there's still a ways to go
Trevor J. MitchellSioux Falls Argus Leader
With Sioux Falls' five medical marijuana licenses tentatively assigned to businesses, we're finally getting a clearer picture of what the newest industry could look like in the coming months.
South Dakota begins accepting applications for medical cannabis card
by: Krista Burns
Posted: Nov 8, 2021 / 04:10 PM CST / Updated: Nov 8, 2021 / 06:09 PM CST
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota has launched its program to begin accepting applications for medical cannabis cards from qualifying patients.
According to an update on the Medical Cannabis in South Dakota website, physicians can now access the medical cannabis patient portal and begin certifying medical cannabis patients.
South Dakota medical cannabis establishment application deadline
by: Perry Groten
Posted: Oct 29, 2021 / 05:02 PM CDT / Updated: Nov 1, 2021 / 11:25 AM CDT
This article has been revised to reflect the following correction: The deadline only matters in cities and counties that plan to limit the number of medical marijuana establishments. If counties have unlimited licenses, you can send it in whenever you’d like.
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — South Dakota’s new medical marijuana industry reaches an important milestone next week. Monday is the deadline for people who want to apply to operate a medical cannabis business in communities with limits on the number of medical marijuana establishments.
Interim committee will consider bill to legalize marijuana for ages 21 and up
Oct 25, 2021 Updated Oct 25, 2021
By Michael Woodel mike.woodel@capjournal.com
The South Dakota Legislature’s Adult-Use Marijuana Study Subcommittee voted 8-2 on Oct. 19 to approve draft legislation that would make recreational and medical marijuana legal for South Dakotans age 21 or older but not allow home grow. In doing so, the bill advanced to the Marijuana Interim Study Committee, which meets Wednesday morning at the state Capitol.
Under the proposal, the Department of Health would still issue medical marijuana cards to qualified patients, including those under age 21.
Medical marijuana cards coming out as lawmakers try to kill program
SDPB Radio | By Lee Strubinger
Published October 25, 2021 at 10:58 AM CDT
SDPB
Liz Tiger can’t wait for South Dakota’s medical marijuana program
The 40-year-old Spearfish resident has stage four endometriosis. She also has a connective tissue disease and another condition that affects her soft tissue and her organs.
PRESS RELEASE: SOUTH DAKOTA CANNABIS LEGALIZATION BALLOT INITIATIVE APPROVED FOR SIGNATURE GATHERING
Pierre, SD — Today, the South Dakota Secretary of State approved a proposed 2022 cannabis legalization ballot initiative for signature gathering. The proposed ballot initiative, backed by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (SDBML), is a statutory cannabis legalization initiative that would make personal cannabis possession and cultivation legal for adults aged 21 and over.
Next steps uncertain on South Dakota medical-cannabis rules that legislators had turned down
by: Bob Mercer
Posted: Sep 20, 2021 / 03:23 PM CDT / Updated: Sep 20, 2021 / 03:23 PM CDT
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota secretary of health is still studying her cards on what’s next for the few medical-cannabis regulations that didn’t get a green light from the Legislature’s Rules Review Committee last week.
South Dakota Residents Still Can't Buy Marijuana
August 29, 20218:03 AM ET
Heard on Weekend Edition Sunday
LEE STRUBINGER
Despite a vote taken nine months ago to legalize marijuana, the drug still can't be purchased legally in South Dakota, with Gov. Kristi Noem being a staunch critic of legalization.
South Dakota Department of Health Notice of Public Hearing to Adopt Rules
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced that a public hearing will be held on August 18, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. CDT, in Conference Room 3 of the Kneip Building, 700 Governor’s Drive in Pierre, SD to consider the adoption and amendment of proposed rules for South Dakota medical cannabis program as required by SDCL 34-20G.
IM 26 task force discusses medical cannabis framework
Published: Jul. 7, 2021 at 4:15 PM MDT
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Medical marijuana discussions are continuing among leaders in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, and Lincoln County. They’ll soon have to have all their medical cannabis ordinances set in place. The IM 26 task force met for their second of three meetings.
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe plans to open cannabis dispensary next week
by: Karen Sherman
Posted: Jun 25, 2021 / 02:28 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 25, 2021 / 02:41 PM CDT
FLANDREAU, S.D. (KELO) — The Native Nations Cannabis Dispensary is expected to open on July 1.
The business is located on the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation.
The Tribe has been preparing for months for the anticipated opening date, according to a news release from the Tribe.
South Dakota: Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients Take Effect Today
BY PAUL ARMENTANO, NORML DEPUTY DIRECTOR
POSTED ON JULY 1, 2021
South Dakota’s voter-initiated medical cannabis law took effect today. Seventy percent of voters approved the ballot initiative, Measure 26, on Election Day.
Although patients are not anticipated to begin receiving state-issued identification cards or to be able to access cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries until at least this fall, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety issued guidelines today for law enforcement requiring them to cease arresting those persons who identify as patients and meet certain qualifications.
From possessing medical marijuana to growing and selling it: Rules proposed by SD health department
by: Lauren Soulek
Posted: Jun 24, 2021 / 10:07 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 25, 2021 / 01:15 PM CDT
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – By the end of the year, people with certain medical conditions will be able to purchase medical marijuana in South Dakota. But before anyone can enter a dispensary, they’ll need a medical cannabis card.
Governor Noem on Amendment A and the future of recreational marijuana in South Dakota
by: Bridget Bennett
Posted: Jun 24, 2021 / 10:06 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 25, 2021 / 04:23 PM CDT
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — Many South Dakotans were anticipating a Supreme Court decision on Amendment A Thursday, the final day the Supreme Court could release a ruling before the voter approved measure legalizing medical marijuana was set to take effect.
Implementing IM 26: Governor, author share different views on the timeline
by: Bridget Bennett
Posted: Jun 24, 2021 / 06:50 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 25, 2021 / 04:25 PM CDT
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota is just a week away from legalizing medical marijuana. Multiple state agencies are still working to build the framework of the program.
Governor Noem: ‘For years, I’ve said I’ve supported medical marijuana’
It’s a very different message from the commercials she appeared in before the November 3rd election, campaigning against the effort to legalize marijuana in the state.
“I’m urging all South Dakotans to vote no on legalizing marijuana this November,” Noem said in a commercial that aired ahead of the 2020 election.
“I think there’s people that have misconstrued my position on medical marijuana,” Noem said. “For years, I’ve said I’ve supported medical marijuana.”
It’s a statement that may be hard to hear for potential medical marijuana patients who watched the Governor campaign against it.
“Yes, I specifically campaigned against the fact that I didn’t think that marijuana made anyone any smarter,” Noem said.
State of South Dakota launches medical marijuana website
By Todd EppJun 17, 2021 | 2:19 PM
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — Thursday, Governor Kristi Noem, along with the South Dakota Department of Health and the South Dakota Department of Education, launched medcannabis.sd.gov, a website to answer questions and provide information about the upcoming medical cannabis program set to take effect on July 1, 2021.
Amendment A ruling not expected before July 1
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Supreme Court is still weighing an appeal regarding Amendment A.
The Amendment would legalize marijuana for people age 21 and older. It was approved by voters in November. Under state law, ballot measures take effect July 1.
According to Greg Sattizahn, State Court Administrator, the appeal related to Amendment A is under active consideration by the Supreme Court.
He confirms a decision will not be issued before July 1.
A prosecutor and a public defender testify about adult-use marijuana coming to South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — A Fort Collins, Colorado, sheriff as well as the director of the Pennington County public defender’s office and the Clay County state’s attorney gave their perspectives Tuesday on what legalizing marijuana could mean in South Dakota.
They, along with worker’s compensation consultant James Marsh and South Dakota Municipal League executive director Yvonne Taylor, spoke to a subcommittee of the Legislature studying the topic.
Johnson tells what led to Amendment A
But Brendan Johnson first told the South Dakota State Bar Convention that he wouldn’t get into the details while the South Dakota Supreme Court is still considering whether Amendment A violated the state constitution’s one-subject rule and whether the measure should have gone to a statewide constitutional convention prior to the ballot.
Republican Voter Suppression Is Canceling Marijuana Legalization
Recent polling suggests more than two-thirds of Americans want adult-use cannabis legalized. And though polling isn’t the most reliable indicator of voter behavior, legal cannabis’s undefeated record at the ballot box last November is a strong signal that with weed, citizens’ choices in the voting booth reflect the desires voiced to opinion-takers.
Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota hosts first virtual event
The Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota, along with Toronto-based company Business of Cannabis, gathered a group of medical and recreational marijuana advocates from South Dakota and beyond to discuss the current state and future of cannabis.
The event was CIASD’s first. The organization plans to continue hosting events both online and in person for its members and those who pay to participate. The association, founded after the successful campaigns for Amendment A (legalizing recreational marijuana, currently under litigation) and Initiated Measure 26 (legalizing medicinal marijuana), is dedicated to making sure South Dakota extends its business-friendly attitudes to the marijuana industry.
Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota hosting first event Thursday
by: Bridget Bennett
In one month, South Dakota’s medical marijuana law goes into effect. The state is currently working out what the rules and regulations will look like, but many South Dakotans are already working to be ready to start their own business in this new industry.
“We read all 100 pages on every rule/law that comes out, that’s really focused on understanding as much as you can, making sure that you’re staying legal in the process you don’t want to violate anything,” Josh Wood said.
Josh Wood has worked in business for 30 years but is excited to start a new venture with Dakota Natural Growers.
S.D. legislators name IM 26 oversight panel
by: Bob Mercer
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The new board that will review and advise on medical marijuana in South Dakota has been appointed.
The new panel was established as part of Initiated Measure 26 that nearly 70% of South Dakota voters approved last November. The lawmakers selected Senator Erin Tobin and Representative Ernie Otten as chair and vice chair for the new group.
Rapid City stakeholders make recommendations to medical marijuana committee
Several Rapid City area first responders, law enforcement officers and lobbyists spoke about their hopes and concerns for a legal medical marijuana program in front of the State Legislature’s interim study committee on marijuana this week.
The Marijuana Interim Study Committee, chaired by Sen. Bryan Breitling, R-Miller, had its first two meetings on Wednesday and Thursday at the Capitol. Rapid City lawmakers Reps. Mike Derby, Tim Goodwin, Tina Mulally and Sen. Helene Duhamel sit on the committee. The committee’s mission is to help promulgate rules for the implementation of Initiated Measure 26, which legalized medical marijuana in South Dakota.
Businesses prepare for medical marijuana in July
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - November of 2020 is when Initiated measure 26 was passed with 70% of people in favor of legalizing the use of medical marijuana.
Recreational use of the drug also received a majority of 54% support, but is being lit up with court-related setbacks.
The introduction of marijuana has prompted businesses to act, and because of how much interest there is, the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota (CIASD) was formed with aspirations to unite all components of the industry.
Ned Horsted, the Executive Director of the CIASD, believes that getting all business-related entities together forges a path to success.
“It’s where a lot of businesses [gather], and some may compete, but they get together for the purpose of creating a strong industry that’s responsible and fairly regulated,” says Horsted.
Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota working to be a voice for new businesses
by: Bridget Bennett
The Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota has eight businesses apart of the board right now. Ned Horsted will serve as the acting executive director of CIASD.
“Our top priority is to ensure that South Dakota’s new cannabis laws — Amendment A and Measure 26 — are implemented in a manner that establishes a fair and competitive cannabis regulatory system,” Horsted said.
Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota forms to establish businesses new industry
“I’m thrilled to help launch this organization,” said Horsted. “The policies established by Amendment A and Measure 26 will create new economic opportunities for South Dakotans and CIASD is going to ensure that the state fully realizes this potential. We are hopeful and confident that Amendment A will be upheld by the South Dakota Supreme Court.”
Group forms Cannabis Industry Association to help develop state's marijuana industry
by: Abby Wargo
“The purpose is to build a strong, vibrant industry in the state. We hope to continue to work with [the state government] and share industry best practices, what’s been learned in other states, and how to do it to benefit the people of South Dakota,” Horsted told the Journal.
Part of the group's initial work included lobbying in Pierre to prevent “damaging changes” to Initiated Measure 26. Beyond that, their mission is to create a well-regulated cannabis industry that is good for businesses.
Press Release: South Dakota Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Announce Formation of the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota
Thursday, March 11, 2021
South Dakota Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Announce Formation of the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota
The Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota (CIASD) will work to build a responsible and successful South Dakota cannabis industry
Sioux Falls, SD — A group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and advocates announced the formation of the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota, an organization for medical and recreational cannabis businesses as well as ancillary businesses adjacent to the cannabis industry.
The CIASD Board is comprised of the following businesses:
Deadwood Management
FSST Pharms
Johnson Properties, LLC
Blau Ernte, LLC
MedRec, LLC
North Coast Cannabis Company, LLC
SDMCS LLC
Sozo SD, Inc.
The CIASD Board issued the following statement:
“The Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota is a group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are working together to build a responsible and successful cannabis industry that serves the needs of medical cannabis patients and adult cannabis consumers, strengthens the state economy, creates jobs, provides new opportunities for existing South Dakota businesses, and generates tax revenue to fund schools and other public programs.
“Our top priority is to ensure that South Dakota’s new cannabis laws — Amendment A and Measure 26 — are implemented in a manner that establishes a fair and competitive cannabis regulatory system.
“We have been lobbying in Pierre to prevent damaging changes to Measure 26. We thank the South Dakota Legislature for ultimately rejecting legislation that would delay the implementation of the state's medical cannabis program. Instead, they chose to honor the will of the people. We commend them for making that decision.
“We are hopeful and confident that Amendment A will be upheld by the South Dakota Supreme Court.”
The CIASD is accepting applications from new potential members. More information is available on the CIASD website (www.ciasd.com).
Ned Horsted will serve as the acting executive director of CIASD.
“I’m thrilled to help launch this organization,” said Horsted. “The policies established by Amendment A and Measure 26 will create new economic opportunities for South Dakotans and CIASD is going to ensure that the state fully realizes this potential.”
# # #
New Industry Association of South Dakota, d/b/a the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota, is a South Dakota domestic nonprofit corporation. [www.ciasd.com]