PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The 2019 session of the South Dakota legislature saw a flurry of activity over industrial hemp. Bills authorizing its production passed both the House & Senate with healthy majorities before it was stopped by a veto from Governor Kristi Noem, which was upheld in the Senate.

Long time lobbyist and legislative observer Dave Owen says the Governor had good reasons to veto it.

Owen says it appeared legislators from the cities were leading the charge on hemp.

Owen, President of the state Chamber of Commerce & Industry, expects the issue to return.

About 40 states so far have passed some type of law authorizing the production of industrial hemp.