02/23/2024
HB 1125 CALL TO ACTION!!
This bill continues to be amended, and not for the good of South Dakotans who rely on getting legal, h**p derived cannabinoids from local stores. During the Senate Health and Human Services committee HB 1125 was amended again back to it's original form with small changes that the people backing the bill argue will protect non-psychoactive products like CBG and CBC, but this language is too vague and the bill leaves the door open to more bans in the future. HB 1125 in it's current state, amended to remove the amendment that unanimously passed the house and we fully endorsed, will effectively kill the C*D industry in South Dakota as we know it. It will effectively ban the sale of naturally occurring, h**p derived cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC and Delta-8, though it says nothing about possession. Therefore brick and mortars will be criminalized for providing products that will otherwise be available online.
Please take the time today to contact your state senators and tell them how this bill would affect you, or your loved ones who rely on these products. Find out who your senators are and how to contact them at https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Find.
Here is a sample email/letter you can use to fill in your information and send if you would like:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
[Recipient's Name] South Dakota State Senate [Recipient's Address] [City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I am writing to express my vehement opposition to House Bill 1125, which institutes a ban on chemically modified or converted industrial h**p products in South Dakota. This legislation represents a grave misstep that will have far-reaching consequences for both consumers and businesses across our state.
While I appreciate the intent to ensure public safety and regulate the industrial h**p industry, I believe that HB1125 takes an overly draconian approach that fails to consider the nuanced realities of this burgeoning sector. By outlawing chemically derived cannabinoids and products resulting from the modification or conversion of h**p extract, this bill effectively shuts down opportunities for innovation and growth within an industry that holds immense promise for South Dakota.
It is crucial to acknowledge that many chemically derived cannabinoids exhibit significant therapeutic potential and have been shown to provide relief for individuals suffering from various medical conditions. By criminalizing these substances wholesale, HB1125 not only deprives consumers of potential health benefits but also obstructs scientific research and development in this field.
Furthermore, the ban on industrial h**p products containing chemically derived cannabinoids unfairly penalizes legitimate businesses and entrepreneurs who are operating in compliance with existing regulations. Rather than fostering a supportive environment for economic prosperity and innovation, HB1125 erects unnecessary barriers that stifle progress and hinder job creation in our state.
I urge you to reconsider the implications of HB1125 and explore alternative approaches that balance the need for regulation with the imperative to promote economic growth and public health. By engaging stakeholders from the industrial h**p industry, healthcare professionals, and consumer advocacy groups, we can develop policies that uphold safety standards while facilitating responsible access to h**p-derived products.
In conclusion, I would like to call upon the South Dakota State Senate to reject HB1125 and to pursue more equitable and evidence-based solutions that support the flourishing of the industrial h**p industry in our state. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter, and I trust that you will act in the best interests of all South Dakotans.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
