The South Dakota Department of Health is taking first steps in implementing the voter-approved medical marijuana law.
The department is requesting proposals from vendors for a statewide patient registry, verification and licensing system.
The law goes into effect on July 1, but the measure gives the department time to implement the program.
Kim Malsam-Rysdon is the heath secretary. She says the system will also issue medical cards.
“We need to have that in place by October. Getting the RFP out now will give us time to make sure that it’s ready to go by that date," Malsam-Rysdon says. "We’re also working on various administrative rules that also need to be in place by October. And, ultimately, ready to issue cards by November 18th.”
During the legislative session, Governor Kristi Noem wanted to delay implementation of the medical marijuana program. Noem argued that would give the state time to study the law and give the Department of Health time to also deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
That push ultimately failed.
Noem wants lawmakers to consider some changes to the law in a special session, but she lacks support in the Senate.
