In the midst of the intensifying 2024 legislative session in Pierre, several bills addressing medical marijuana regulations are making their way through committees, with four recently gaining committee approval and advancing to the Senate floor.
Critics, such as Dakota Herb CEO Dalton Grimmius, argue that these bills represent a significant challenge to the existing medical marijuana program established by voters in 2020. Among the contentious proposals, Senate Bill 10 is drawing attention for mandating notification of a patient’s primary care provider upon obtaining a medical marijuana card. Grimmius expresses concern, particularly for low-income or uninsured patients who may lack a primary care physician.
Another source of contention is Senate Bill 71, which facilitates law enforcement searches and seizures at medical cannabis facilities. Grimmius points out the potential strain on already overburdened police officers and questions the logic of adding this responsibility without ensuring a clear understanding of the intricacies regulated by the Department of Health.
Senate Bill 12 specifies that medical marijuana users can be barred from “safety-sensitive” jobs like construction. While Grimmius acknowledges the rationale behind the bill, he suggests that other industries should be subject to similar standards.
Similarly, Grimmius raises questions about Senate Bill 11, which prohibits doctors from referring patients to cannabis clinics in which they or a family member have a financial interest. He contends that while he sees little issue with the concept, the uniqueness of this requirement in the medical program raises concerns.
Despite passing committee scrutiny, these bills are set to face Senate floor consideration. Grimmius and other medical marijuana advocates are actively engaging with legislators, urging a focus on patient rights. Grimmius encourages patients to voice their concerns to their representatives as part of the ongoing legislative process.
