A proposed amendment from Ward 3 Alderman Greg Strommen has reignited debate around Rapid City’s moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. The amendment would let existing dispensary owners relocate or transfer ownership, softening the original moratorium that blocked all new license applications ahead of the failed 2024 recreational marijuana vote.
Dispensary owners are voicing support for reform. Nevada Ellison, co-owner of Black Hills Cannabis Care, highlighted his operation’s compliance and success: “We’re one of the top sellers statewide, but we lack distribution here. We hope to be part of future decisions.”
After hearing from stakeholders, the Legal and Finance Committee considered the amendment but pivoted toward fully repealing the moratorium. Alderman Bill Evans didn’t mince words: “The moratorium was a dumb idea then, it’s a dumb idea now.”
The committee voted unanimously to recommend the repeal to the City Council, which will review the motion on Monday, Aug. 4.
Comments