South Dakota Launches Medical Cannabis Website

South Dakota has launched a website to answer questions about the state’s new medical cannabis program, the Rapid City Journal reports. The new website—an effort between Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education—features news releases, FAQs, an event section, helpful terminology, and a link to the law.

In a statement, Noem appears to have dropped her opposition to the program, which was passed by voters last November.

“One of my jobs as governor is to make sure that the will of the people and all constitutional laws are enforced. “I want South Dakota to have the best, most patient-focused medical cannabis program in the country. I’ve heard from people who are hurting and are hopeful for relief. My team is 100% committed to starting this program as quickly and as responsibly as possible for South Dakota.” — Noem in a statement via the Journal

Noem even appears in a public service announcement (PSA) on the site where she says the program is on “schedule” and they are working to create a “responsible” program.

“Other states have made mistakes, we do not want to repeat, so we have been careful in our approach,” the governor said in the PSA.

Medical cannabis officially becomes legal in South Dakota on July 1, but the state has until Oct. 29 to create a patient card application system. Leading up to the deadline, the Department of Health is holding listening sessions around the state to gain public input on what they want to see in the new program.