South Dakota House Bill HB1101

South Dakota 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Repeal provisions related to medical marijuana.

Impact

The impact of HB 1101 on state laws will include the termination of the medical cannabis registry, which provided patients diagnosed with qualifying conditions access to cannabis for therapeutic use. Additionally, all established medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation centers would cease operations, leading to implications for local economies and patients who relied on these services for treatment. The repeal also undermines the regulatory framework designed to monitor and control access to cannabis, raising questions about the effects on health and public safety as previously controlled use is rendered illegal again.

Summary

House Bill 1101 aims to repeal various provisions related to medical cannabis previously established under South Dakota law. The bill eliminates the framework governing the possession, distribution, and use of medical cannabis that has been a contentious topic within the state. By repealing these provisions, the bill effectively ends the operations of medical cannabis establishments, halting the legal use of cannabis for patients who had previously qualified under the state’s medical cannabis program. Proponents of the bill assert that this repeal is necessary due to concerns over public safety and the implications of cannabis use, suggesting that regulation could pose challenges to law enforcement.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1101 have highlighted significant contention among lawmakers and the public. Supporters of the repeal argue that medical cannabis can lead to an increase in substance abuse and presents risks that outweigh its benefits, while opponents highlight the therapeutic value cannabis can offer to individuals suffering from chronic and debilitating conditions. There are concerns about the potential negative effects on patients who may now lose access to a previously legal and potentially beneficial treatment. This division reflects broader national debates on cannabis policy and its implications for health and social welfare.