Feb. 14, 2019 Argus Leader
Gov. Kristi Noem: Industrial hemp ‘opening the door’ to legalized marijuana in South Dakota
Before the veto- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem:
“She said she’s heard from social workers, addiction treatment counselors and families hurt by addiction that marijuana is a gateway drug — and that industrial hemp will open the door to marijuana distribution in South Dakota.”
March 11, 2019 The Seattle Times
Gov. Noem vetoes bill legalizing industrial hemp production
“…it would make law enforcement’s job more difficult and could be a first step to eventually legalizing recreational marijuana.”
“At least 41 states have enacted hemp growing and production programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.”
Meth
Federal cash for South Dakota after meth flows past federal agents staffing a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security, then on into local communities:
Nov. 1, 2018 Argus Leader
Federal government sends $1M to South Dakota to combat meth trafficking
Mar 4, 2019 KOTA TV
Governor Noem starts to tackle meth epidemic
March 1, 2019 Argus Leader
Noem: Making South Dakota an example to the nation
“It was my goal to listen and learn, but to also begin developing the expectation that South Dakota can, and will, be a leader in innovative policies that will serve as an example to other states and the federal government.”
“First, I met with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar about adding flexibility to existing federal programs in South Dakota so we can combat our meth epidemic.”
Mar 1, 2019 Rapid City Journal
Governor addresses goals for her administration on statewide tour
“Noem said the state’s farmers and ranchers are still struggling in spite of weathering tough economic times fraught with low commodity prices and foreign tariffs on U.S. goods.”
“She said moving agriculture development representatives within the ag department to the state economic development department would give ag reps better access to economic development tools.”
“I also want our economic development team to know and have a passion for agriculture,” she said.
Days later- Governor Noem would veto a bill allowing South Dakota to produce Indsutrial Hemp.
“With the use of methamphetamine exploding among younger people, Noem said she will expand funding and resources to increase education, prevention, intervention and treatment options and hire four highway patrol officers to specialize in meth programs and two Department of Criminal Investigation officers to key on stopping the flow of the drug into the state.”
“Opioids are a big problem in South Dakota. I don’t want to distract from that, but overwhelmingly our problem is meth,” she said.
Governor Noem, if South Dakota is a nationwide leader in stamping out gateway drugs like marijuana and Industrial Hemp, why the meth epidemic in South Dakota? Meth is prohibited at both the federal and state levels of government.
More here:
What Do Conservatives Believe In?
Montana – Homeland Security Meth Racket Rolls On
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