A subcommittee of a summer study of the state’s cannabis laws voted narrowly to recommend knocking the number of plants one can grow at home, as was allowed by a voter-approved citizen initiative, from “three” down to “zero.” The full committee will vote on the proposal next month.
PIERRE, S.D. — A group of lawmakers on a subcommittee studying the state’s newly enacted medical marijuana law are proposing a key provision in the citizen-approved initiative — the ability to legally grown plants of marijuana at home — be stricken from the program in any future legislation.
While the recommendation will need to be approved by the full committee next month to bear the weight of a summer study on cannabis law’s seal of approval, the narrow vote at a committee meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 29, suggests lawmakers have more than enough appetite to take away a right the current law affords eligible certified users.
“If we don’t take care of the citizens, who will take care of the citizens?” asked Rep. Carl Perry, an Aberdeen Republican, during heated debate over zeroing out the home-grow program.
Sen. Troy Heinert, a Mission Democrat, said he opposed the motion, invoking previous instances when lawmakers overruled the people’s majority vote on legislation.
“We keep trying this time and again,” said Heinert. “But it’s legal. Let’s move on.”
Read more at
