While the measure itself goes into effect on July 1, that does not automatically mean that those who want to use medical cannabis will be able to go to a local dispensary and buy some starting on July 1.
Pierre resident Brian Doherty, Pierre Police Captain Bryan Walz, DCI Assistant Director Brian Zeeb, AG staff member Mathew Templar, and Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon.
By October 29, the Department of Health must adopt rules to establish and implement criteria related to patient cards, medical marijuana establishments, and related topics governing medical cannabis.
Patients who have a qualifying debilitating medical condition must see their physician, who will determine whether the patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of cannabis.
The patient will then be able to take the card to a licensed dispensary to purchase the medical marijuana.
The Department of Health has established a web page to keep the public informed of the state’s medical marijuana program.