Aberdeen taking steps to temporarily deal with medical marijuana

ABERDEEN, S.D.(AberdeenAmericanNews)- The Aberdeen Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a city ordinance Tuesday that essentially provides guidance to city offices about medical marijuana establishments until state rules are in place.

Voters in South Dakota approved the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in separate ballot measures in November. While the ballot measure concerning recreational use is being challenged in court, the next step for medical marijuana is for the South Dakota Department of Health to establish rules concerning medical cannabis establishments, which include cultivation facilities, cannabis testing facilities, cannabis product manufacturing facilities or dispensaries.

The proposed ordinance first goes before the City Planning Commission for consideration at its meeting on Tuesday. That meeting is at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers, 123 S. Lincoln St. The ordinance is the last agenda item up for discussion.