South Dakota

South Dakota Medical Marijuana Industry Pushes For Rules Changes As Program Enrollment Dwindles

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

South Dakota Medical Marijuana Industry Pushes For Rules Changes As Program Enrollment Dwindles

“Is this program working, and do the rules make sense? Yes for public safety, but do they make sense for the people trying to run businesses?”

By John Hult, South Dakota Searchlight

Cannabis industry advocates said Monday that they need representation on the state’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee.

The committee also learned that the number of patient cards issued in South Dakota has continued to fall since a February peak, sparking concern from the group’s patient representative about marijuana card denials.

South Dakota’s medical cannabis program is governed by both state law and a set of administrative rules interpreting those laws for use in the day-to-day operations of the program.

The issues presented by the cannabis industry on Monday were largely related to rules, not the medical pot chapter of South Dakota law. Most of those issues could be resolved through the rulemaking process, but the committee didn’t review any potential rule changes at its meeting in Pierre.

That’s in part because of an early deadline for rules this year. Rules need to be posted, and the public needs time to comment on changes, before getting approval from the state’s Rules Review Committee.

That committee’s final meeting before the 2025 legislative session came last month, which was earlier than previous years.

Emily Kerr of the health department told the committee that there wasn’t enough time to write new rules and hold public hearings after the 2024 legislative session.

“We really want to take the time to have robust conversations with legislators and industry,” she said.

Staffing was also mentioned as a hurdle for rule changes. The program recently hired three more people to help administer the cannabis program, but they’ve only been on the job a few months.

Industry: Rules push up prices

Pot lobbyist Jeremiah Murphy told the committee he understands that timing was an issue this year, in part because the health department runs the program with minimal staffing.

But he also said the committee is failing to address important operational issues that relate to its statutorily required duty to oversee the program and make recommendations to help make sure cannabis is accessible to patients at reasonable prices.

A change to state law in 2023 altered the committee’s makeup, which had originally required the inclusion of three medical cannabis patients. Now, there is one patient, and everyone else on the committee is in law enforcement, lawmaking or a part of the medical community.

Murphy said the lack of operational knowledge has allowed rules that push up the price of doing business—and, in turn, push up the price of cannabis for patients—to go unchallenged.

“We’d like to see the focus turn to include, more broadly, operations,” Murphy said. “Is this program working, and do the rules make sense? Yes for public safety, but do they make sense for the people trying to run businesses?”

Murphy’s only ask for the committee’s lawmakers was for them to consider adjusting the committee’s makeup by changing state law. But he had several examples from the Department of Health’s interpretation of its cannabis program rules he said could be fixed by the committee and the department.

Some of the rules, Murphy argued, are illogical, wasteful and overly burdensome.

One requires growers to test their crops in 50-pound batches, but that 50 pounds is measured before the crop is dried. Dried marijuana weighs about a fifth of its wet weight, Murphy said.

If the health department allowed operators to dry out the product before being divided into batches, operators would only need to pay for a fifth as many tests.

Ned Horsted of 605 Cannabis said he spends “six to 10 times” what he would if the state used the dry weight system commonly used in other states.

Murphy and the other cannabis industry advocates pointed to a handful of other issues, as well. Cannabis deliveries must use the same courier for pickup and delivery, for example, regardless of how many stops they might make or how far they’re going in a given day.

“There needs to be a way to safely put that product in another person’s hands,” Murphy said.

Lawmaker unconvinced of need for law change

Sen. Erin Tobin (R-Winner) said she expects most of the issues presented Monday could be cleared up through the rule-making process, rather than by legislation. She also told Murphy she’s not sure changing the committee’s makeup is necessary to make changes to rules.

Patients, municipal governments, school board members and designated caregivers might also have input for the committee, Tobin said.

She noted that the bill that changed the committee’s makeup specified that its members are meant to take input and consider the views of industry representatives, patients and the like at each of its meetings.

“You could argue that we need one of everything, right?” Tobin said. “We have an opportunity with the speaker and a mic for anybody that would like to come forward, and that’s valuable to us.”

Patient numbers dropping

Brad Jurgensen, the lone patient representative on the committee, noted that the number of medical marijuana cards in South Dakota has dropped considerably.

As of October 24, there were 12,186 patient cards in circulation in South Dakota. That’s down by 1,519 from February, when the state hit 13,705 card holders.

“Is there any state-specific reason why those numbers would be going down?” Jurgensen asked.

By then, Kerr had left the room.

Kittrick Jefferies, of Black Hills-based Puffy’s dispensaries, told the committee that his customers talk of being denied because their condition doesn’t qualify for a medical cannabis card under state law, but that “it’s all anecdotal.”

Department of Health spokesperson Tia Kafka did not immediately respond to a Searchlight question on why the number of cardholders is dropping.

The number of practitioners approved to write pot prescriptions, however, has continued to increase. More practitioners have been added to the state’s list every month since December of 2022.

This story was first published by South Dakota Searchlight.

Medical Marijuana Improves Chronic Pain And Mental Health Symptoms While Reducing Prescription Drug Use, Study Shows

Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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South Dakota

How South Dakota officials have reacted to ‘massive’ US attack on Iran

Published

3 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

How South Dakota officials have reacted to ‘massive’ US attack on Iran

South Dakota’s Congressional leaders are praising President Donald Trump for his action of joining Israel for a missile-launched attack this weekend in Iran, with the intent to target and dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and demand regime change.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” Trump said Saturday, Feb. 28, calling the strikes, “a massive and ongoing operation.”

Trump has since faced scrutiny for a lack of clarity about the timeline and overall goals of the war, and acting without the direct approval of Congress, which has the power to officially declare war for the U.S. Lawmakers are also in heated debate about whether the Trump’s decision may violate the Constitution, with Democrats calling for a war powers resolution vote to stop the effort, according to multiple military outlets.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was directly targeted, a Middle Eastern official told USA TODAY. Khamenei was killed in the attacks on Feb. 28, according to Israeli sources who told USA TODAY, CNN and Reuters. He was 86 and had led Iran since 1989.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes, hitting American and Israeli targets, including a U.S. Naval base in Bahrain. Iran said its enemies would be “decisively defeated.”

At least four Americans and an estimated 200 other individuals have been killed, and an estimated 700 injured as of March 2.

President Trump said he expects more to come.

Here’s what South Dakota Congressional leaders, along with former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who now sits at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security as secretary, have to say about what has been named by the administration as Operation Epic Fury.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies,” said Thune, a Republican, the morning of Feb. 28 in a comment from his office.

“Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats,” Thune said, thanking Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week.

“I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations,” he said. “I commend the bravery of the servicemembers carrying out these operations and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds

Rounds, a Republican, said Trump took “the right course of action” when handling the strike.

Rounds later congratulated the United States military and Trump on the death of the Iranian leader, stating the moment “offers a path for a more peaceful Middle East.”

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson

Johnson, a Republican and the lone U.S. representative for South Dakota, stated the Iranian regime “is full of theocratic thugs and is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror.” He said Trump had given multiple opportunities to change direction.

“I’m praying for the safety of America’s servicemembers, and our allies involved in Operation Epic Fury,” Johnson stated on social media.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

Noem, who left her governorship after she was appointed secretary at the beginning of Trump’s current term, took to social media as well, stating she was actively monitoring any potential threats against America.

“I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners,” she said.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Millionaire for Life winning numbers for March 1, 2026

Published

15 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 1 drawing

10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South Dakota

South Dakota High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills – Harrisburg Today

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

South Dakota High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills – Harrisburg Today

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational is an annual culinary competition where high school students from across the state showcase their cooking and restaurant management skills. This year, 12 schools will send a total of 60 talented students to Pierre to compete in events like cake decorating, culinary arts, and restaurant management. Winners will receive scholarships and the opportunity to advance to the National ProStart® Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland.

Why it matters

The ProStart® program is an important investment in developing South Dakota’s future culinary and hospitality industry leaders. By providing high school students with hands-on experience and the chance to compete at the state and national levels, the program helps cultivate the next generation of skilled chefs, restaurateurs, and food service professionals.

The details

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will take place on March 9-10, 2026 in Pierre. The competition kicks off on Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM with a cake decorating contest. The more intense culinary arts and restaurant management competitions will be held on Tuesday, March 10th starting at 8:45 AM. Students will be judged on their technical skills, creativity, and business acumen as they compete for scholarships and a spot at the national competition.

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will take place on March 9-10, 2026.
The cake decorating competition will be held on Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM.
The culinary arts and restaurant management competitions will take place on Tuesday, March 10th starting at 8:45 AM.

The players

Nathan Sanderson

Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, which administers the ProStart® program.

Florence

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Harrisburg

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Huron

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Mitchell CTE

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“ProStart® is an excellent way for us to invest in South Dakota’s future industry leaders. Our students are highly skilled and graduate workplace ready.”

— Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association (b1027.com)

What’s next

The winners of the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will advance to the National ProStart® Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, where they will represent the state on a national stage.

The takeaway

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational is a valuable program that helps cultivate the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals in the state, providing high school students with hands-on experience, scholarships, and the opportunity to showcase their skills at the national level.

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