A bill to clarify regulations on medical marijuana establishments has passed the House Local Government committee.
Senate Bill 219 aims to clarify which governing body can license a medical marijuana businesses.
Sen. David Wheeler of Huron introduced the bill to the committee Tuesday. He said the idea for the bill came from an issue in his district.
“(It clarifies) Licensing for medical marijuana establishments, particularly just to clarify the fact that a medical marijuana establishment inside a town does not need a second license from the county,” said Wheeler.
There was no opponent testimony to the bill.
Jerimiah Murphy is a registered lobbyist for the Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota. He said the industry supports the bill.
“It was one of our members who was in a situation that prompted the need for the bill. Our members are ready to be fully regulated and comply with all of that. What this says is, they will know who is regulating them. It creates clarity,” said Murphy.
The committee passed the bill in a 12 to one vote. It now heads to the House floor.
