Two payments inserting extra restrictions on medical marijuana go the Home Well being and Human Companies Committee this morning (Feb. 7, 2023).
One invoice, HB 1172, requires a medical evaluation of a affected person in a licensed healthcare facility to acquire a medical hashish card.
The opposite invoice, HB 1129, requires that a health care provider certify that they’ve assessed the affected person’s medical historical past. It could additionally require the go to will not be for acquiring a marijuana card except it’s a referral, and that any contra-indications of medical hashish are indicated.
Each payments have been sponsored by Republican Rep. Fred Deutsch from Florence. He stated the primary invoice addresses “pop-up” clinics in accommodations, storefronts, and different areas. “There aren’t any rules on clinic areas,” Deutsch stated. “This would supply some modicum of regulation.” He stated such clinics had been held in bars and strip golf equipment.
Jeremiah Murphy, a lobbyist for the medical marijuana trade in South Dakota, stated HB 1172 arbitrarily reduces the variety of services the place potential sufferers can obtain their medical marijuana card. He additionally stated as odious as some areas may be, they’re higher than the options. “The black market is the place most marijuana is bought,” Murphy stated. “The extra you place individuals in entrance of docs, the higher.”
Opponents made makes an attempt to kill the payments however have been unsuccessful.
HB 1172 handed the committee on a ten to 2 vote.
HB 1129 handed on a 9 to 4 vote.
Each measures now go to the Home for additional consideration.