Bill to ban medical marijuana clinics passes House on narrow marginPosted by MMP News AuthorOn February 8, 2023

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A bill seeking to, among other things, ban certain types of marijuana related advertising in South Dakota passed the House of Representatives along a slim margin Wednesday afternoon.

The bill in question, HB 1129, brought by Republican Rep. Fred Deutsch, seeks to add requirements to practitioners recommending the use of medical marijuana, amending state law by adding to the definition of “written certification” to say the practitioner must certify that:

• They have assessed the patient’s medical history and current medical condition, including an in-person physical examination
• The practitioner-patient relationship is not for the sole purpose of providing a written certification to the patient, unless the patient has been referred by a practitioner providing the patient continuing care, and
• The practitioner has evaluated any medical cannabis contraindications with any other drug the patient is taking, assessed other medical conditions the patient has, and discussed with the patient any associated risks of taking medical cannabis considering the patient’s medical condition

The law already states that there must be a “bona fide practitioner-patient relationship” which the existing statute states is a relationship in which:

• The practitioner completes, at the initial visit, an assessment of the patient’s medical history and current medical condition, including an appropriate in person physical…