‘A little bit of compassion’: Adding PTSD to medical pot program inches toward Noem’s desk

Expansion of qualifying conditions squeaks through House on 1-vote margin

PIERRE — South Dakotans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder would qualify for the state’s medical marijuana program under legislation that’s cleared both the state House and Senate.

The larger of the two Legislative chambers — historically more resistant to loosening the state’s cannabis prohibitions — narrowly signed off on a measure Monday morning that will add PTSD to the list of conditions that make someone eligible to legally consume, possess and grow marijuana in the state.

Senate Bill 1 squeaked to passage in the House with a one-vote margin that followed emotional testimony from representatives in support.

“It’s fine for them to eat a .45. We’ve got no problem with that, but dear lord, God in Heaven. Don’t give them the wacky weed, that’s going to harm them,” Rep. Ernie Otten said sarcastically after telling a story about a first-responder who uses alcohol to cope with memories of extracting victims from a vehicle following a wreck.

NEWS: Legislators move to add PTSD, glaucoma to qualifying medical marijuana conditions