Hemp, marijuana could attract major attention during upcoming session

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – There could be a lot of attention on industrial hemp and marijuana in South Dakota next year. Legislators in a summer study are working on another industrial hemp bill, while two petition drives have been turned in that would legalize some uses of marijuana.

Dave Owen, President of the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says Governor Kristi Noem’s opposition to industrial hemp could be undercut by a vote to legalize marijuana.

Owen says it appears support for industrial hemp is growing in the legislature.

Owen says legalizing marijuana could be possible even in a conservative state like South Dakota.

Over 80,000 signatures were collected between the two marijuana issues. Those signatures are still being validated by the Secretary of State’s Office.