Why it matters: South Dakota lawmakers voted to postpone further proceedings on a bill that aimed to restrict medical cannabis access for patients. The bill would have required patients to receive cannabis recommendations only from their primary care physician or physicians suggested by their primary doctor. Doctors who did not comply with the bill’s criteria would have faced criminal charges.
What they are saying: Advocates for medical cannabis expressed relief that the bill was postponed as it would have made it easier for doctors offering cannabis as a treatment option to face criminal charges. They argue that the bill’s strict definition of “primary care provider” would be difficult to concretely specify and would discourage doctors from prescribing cannabis.
The big picture: South Dakota legalized medical cannabis in 2020, with over 13,000 residents officially registered and more than 250 authorized practitioners. However, anti-cannabis lawmakers have been trying to dial back or revoke the law. The postponement of this bill is seen as a win for advocates and patients.
What to watch: Other bills proposed to modify South Dakota’s medical cannabis regulations are still under review, including measures to increase the cost of dispensary licenses and require prescribers to inform a patient’s primary care doctor when they get their medical cannabis card. It will be important to monitor the progress and outcomes of these bills.
My take: It is encouraging that the bill aiming to restrict medical cannabis access in South Dakota was postponed. Patients should have the freedom to receive recommendations from various healthcare providers, and criminalizing doctors who do not comply with strict criteria could hinder patient access. It is important to prioritize patients’ needs and ensure a comprehensive and accessible healthcare system for medical cannabis.
