PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- The Senate passed a slate of bills about the medical cannabis program created by Initiated Measure 26. The bills passed the Senate with little debate.

One bill defines the necessary relationship between patient and medical practitioner. This is meant to prevent “doctor shopping.”

Another removes the provision stating a medical practitioner must certify that cannabis would have a therapeutic benefit for the patient. 

Two of the bills clarify language about denial, nonrenewal, and revocation of medical cannabis cards.

The bills will go forward and be heard on the House floor, which seems resistant to medical cannabis initiatives.