SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST) announced in February that it would be rolling out its own medical cannabis program.
The announcement, coming from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Communications, clarifies that this will legalize medical marijuana within the bounds of the reservation for those 21 years of age who have a valid RST Medical Marijuana Card.
Outlined in the release are rules the tribe plans to enforce regarding marijuana:
- People are limited to carrying a maximum of three ounces of marijuana at any time.
- Driving or operating any vehicle under the influence of marijuana is prohibited.
- You cannot deliver marijuana to someone without a valid medical card.
- An RST card will not necessarily exempt an employee from drug testing.
There is currently only one entity authorized to grow and sell medical marijuana on the RST reservation.
Persons interested can apply for a card through the RST Office of Legislative Affairs, located in the Tribal Annex Building.
This move by the RST mirrors moves by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, which has its own medical program, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe, which has launched both medical and recreational marijuana within its borders.
The state of South Dakota also maintains its own medical program. It is unclear at the moment whether the RST plans to practice reciprocity with any other programs in or outside the state.