Gov. Noem vetoes industrial hemp legalization

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has vetoed a bill that would have made it legal to cultivate industrial hemp in the state.
In a statement Monday, Noem says she rejected the legislation mainly because it would make it more difficult for law enforcement. Noem has said she’s worried that drug detection dogs flag hemp like marijuana and that the plants look alike, making it difficult for authorities to determine what is legal and what is not.
She also says that legalization of hemp cultivation could lead to medical marijuana and eventually legalization of recreational use of marijuana in South Dakota. She said the state should focus on other issues until the federal government sorts out its policy on marijuana.
The bill in the state Senate fell short of the two-thirds support it would need to override her veto.

03-12-2019