POINT: More about my experience getting a medical marijuana card

Guest column by Rep. Fred Deutsch

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard from marijuana lobbyists that I shouldn’t be critical of temporary pop-up clinics not following the rules because I’ve never been to a pop-up clinic. 

So a few weeks ago I decided to see for myself if the pop-up clinics are following the rules. 

In South Dakota, to legally receive a medical marijuana card, a person must jump through a few hoops. This includes: (1) having a qualifying medical condition, (2) receiving a medical examination from a practitioner, (3) having a bonafide relationship with the practitioner that cannot be for the sole purpose of providing a written certification for the medical use of cannabis. 

I googled “South Dakota MMJ card” and found a company that runs a Watertown clinic out of the Holiday Inn. I prepaid online $159 and emailed them a copy of my medical records, according to their procedures.

NEWS: Anti-pot lawmaker issued medical marijuana card by South Dakota health office