skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Senate adopts $340 billion budget blueprint for Trump's agenda after marathon vote; MI keeps EV charging plans on track despite federal cuts; Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions; Report: Methane mitigation industry grows in LA, nationwide.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump wants to eliminate local governance in Washington, D.C., election denier Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI director, and federal cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program hurt ailing first responders.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Taos County Sheriff says he won't conduct raids or round ups of immigrants, New Hampshire worries a dearth of charging stations will force tourists driving EVs to pick another vacation destination, and Southern states improve education with workarounds.

Despite Obstacles, SD Marijuana Group Feels Good about Effort

play audio
Play

Monday, March 29, 2021   

PIERRE, S.D. -- Today is the last day of South Dakota's legislative session, and lawmakers could decide the fate of a medical marijuana program approved by voters but opposed by the governor.

Gov. Kristi Noem, a staunch critic of legalizing marijuana in any form, pushed to delay starting a medical cannabis program this summer.

Her office acknowledged the window has passed, and is now urging lawmakers to consider a host of restrictions before the process ramps up.

Matthew Schweich, director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, said earlier this year, things didn't look good for an on-time start. He credits the turnaround to a grassroots effort to defend the will of the public.

"We generated thousands of calls and thousands of emails," Schweich touted. "And by doing that, we fought off some very severe delays."

Last November, two ballot initiatives were approved, one for medical cannabis use, another for recreational use for adults. The latter is still tied up in the courts.

Noem and other opponents argued the amendment was too broad, and expressed concerns about the societal effects of legalization.

Schweich's group offered some compromises along the way, including counter-provisions to the tighter restrictions Noem is floating, but he said they are standing firm in negotiations.

"The original bill said three plants per patient," Schweich explained. "We're proposing that be increased to six plants. Three would be the lowest plant count of any medical marijuana law in the country that allows home cultivation by patients."

He added there is debate over whether people younger than 21 could be allowed to access medical marijuana.

It's unclear if lawmakers will consider the governor's plan this week, or whether they'll be called back for a special session down the road.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …


Health and Wellness

play sound

The Alabama Senate has passed a bill which would give gun owners struggling with mental health challenges the option to voluntarily surrender their fi…

Health and Wellness

play sound

As the temperatures drop, some Georgians are feeling more than just the winter chill. Nearly 40% of Americans experience the seasonal mood changes …


Researchers are developing inductive charging technology that could allow EVs to charge without plugging in, using embedded road or parking pad systems. (Kalyakan/Adobe Stock)

play sound

Earlier this month, the Federal Highway Administration stopped new funding for electric vehicle charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle …

Social Issues

play sound

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

Sorghum matures quickly, some types in as little as 75 days, and can provide up to three harvests a year. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

One researcher at the University of Nevada-Reno has developed what she called revolutionary sorghum varieties for dairy cow feed and gluten-free human…

Environment

play sound

If Minnesota wants a strong network of up-and-coming farmers, including those who want to farm on healthier land, the state can help them become …

Social Issues

play sound

In Tennessee and nationwide, communities are celebrating Black History Month, recognizing the contributions and achievements of African Americans to …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021