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Bills adjusting the state's medical marijuana program signed into law

Gov. Kristi Noem has signed multiple bills into law regulating the state’s medical marijuana program.

Many medical marijuana bills were presented this legislative session. Most of them were aimed at adjusting the program based on how it has operated so far.

Senate Bill 219 modifies the control local governments have over medical marijuana facilities. Specifically, the bill states that no county or municipality can make building a dispensary impractical.

A separate bill, Senate Bill 191, restricts the use of medical cannabis for individuals on probation.

One of the most impactful bills for the industry is Senate Bill 43. The bill increases potential fines for medical cannabis establishments.

These bills are in addition to Senate Bill 10 which was previously signed by the governor. The bill requires patients enrolled in the state's medical cannabis program to notify their primary care provider about their enrollment.

The bills take affect July 1.

Evan Walton is an SDPB reporter based in Sioux Falls. Evan holds a Master’s in English Literature from Southern New Hampshire University and was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 2015, where he served for five years as an infantryman.