Recently a Governor-endorsed bill to delay the beginning of voter approved IM 26 failed in the South Dakota Senate. Now, Kristi Noem’s office is floating around a medical cannabis compromise to try and put limits on IM 26. 

Compromise Limitations

Even though IM 26 passed in the general election with a 70 percent approval rating, Governor Noem has been advocating against it. She later stated that the public made, “The wrong choice” when it came to cannabis. Unfortunately for Governor Noem, she has to accept what the voters approved. 

In the compromise currently circulating in South Dakota’s Congress, there are three distinct changes. First, home cultivation would change to three plants instead of the proposed six. Second, no one under 21 would qualify for medical cannabis, no matter what. Finally, one ounce of cannabis possession would be decriminalized. Offenses would become petty offenses with a fee attached. This last note is more of a surprise than anything as Governor Noem has never expressed positive thoughts towards decriminalization. 

However, this compromise isn’t specifically endorsed by Governor Noem. It came forth from her office along with other legislative efforts. 

“This is one of several draft bills being circulated for discussion and Gov. Noem has not endorsed any of them,” the governor’s chief of staff, Tony Venhuizen said.

Lawmaker Feedback

There isn’t much public feedback from lawmakers. But they have said is positive. Senator Mike Rohl calls the compromise “a good start.” But its no where near ready for debate. Especially on criminalizing possession of cannabis for anyone under 21. Those offenses remain criminalized. If someone is caught possessing cannabis, they could face jail time if they are under 21. That would show up on their permanent record. This is the opposite of those caught with possession over 21, where it’s a Class 2 misdemeanor and comes with a fine. 

There is a lot remaining for Governor Noem’s compromise. IM 26 will start on July 1st. No announcements on how IM 26 is going to work has come from the state. Up until this point, lawmakers had been working against IM 26. Now it’s crunch time and the public is ready and waiting for their medical cannabis approval.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.