Noem: South Dakota’s police K-9 programs could see major impacts from hemp, marijuana (Audio)

February 13, 2020
Mike Tanner

PIERRE, S.D.—One of Governor Kristi Noem’s major concerns about legalizing hemp production in South Dakota is how would the associated costs of legalizing it be paid for.

One example she cited recently was how law enforcement K-9 programs around the state would be impacted.

Noem tells KWAT News drug dogs that are working in the state now would “essentially become useless” if hemp is made legal….

South Dakota’s drug of choice is meth, and Noem says cracking down on the use of that illegal substance could be complicated if hemp and recreational marijuana become legal….

The hemp bill passed the House this week, and will next be considered by the Senate.

South Dakotans will decide the recreational marijuana question that will be on the November ballot.