Republican lawmakers say one of their goals this legislative session is to address marijuana legalization. A group of legislators has formed the “Cannabis Caucus.”
The Cannabis Caucus is a bipartisan listening group comprised of legislators and stakeholders.
Senator Michael Diedrich says their goal is to help educate lawmakers with current proposals.
“It’s really to gather and be a source of information and fact…as well as collate that into a bundle of information that would make sense that we can proceed forward on other things.”
South Dakota voters approved a constitutional amendment last November to legalize the use of medical and recreational pot. The Department of Revenue is researching how to regulate the drug.
Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack says legal implementation is critical.
“But everybody agrees that we’ve got to come up with some revenue from this and the reason is to cover the social costs and everything else is associated with it. The other thing is that you don’t want to create a situation where it enhances the opportunity of a black market.”
So far, there are only two marijuana bills filed. One is an appropriation to the revenue department. Another looks to prohibit marijuana use in a motor vehicle.
The state’s legalization of recreational marijuana still faces a legal challenge. Governor Kristi Noem has signed an executive order granting High Patrol Superintendent Col. Rick Miller legal standing to file a lawsuit against recreational use of the drug.
Meantime, Noem says the Health and Public Safety departments are working with the Legislature on implementation measures.
“This litigation has some valid points going forward. It will not be resolved before the session is over. That’s why we’re working with legislators to make sure we’re adequately prepared and that the planning is there to implement responsibly if necessary.”
Republican lawmakers say they expect the lawsuit to move to the South Dakota Supreme Court later this year.