The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee voted Wednesday to table a proposed ordinance that would have reduced the number of medical cannabis dispensary licenses from 15 to five and allowed the City Council to adjust permit fees.
Ward 1 Alderman Dr. Stephen Tamang criticized the move, saying it stifled necessary discussion on cannabis regulation.
The proposal, drafted by the city’s legal department in response to public concerns, drew strong opposition from dispensary owners and patients during public comment. Many argued it would harm access to medical cannabis and penalize legitimate businesses.
Bryan Anderson of West River Farms urged the city to “just leave it alone,” while Nevada Ellison of Dakota Green Cultivators highlighted his company’s investment in local production and patient care.
Others, including Kittrick Jeffries of Puffy’s Dispensary and Emmett Reistroffer of Genesis Farms, warned the ordinance would create legal uncertainty and questioned the need for tighter restrictions given the lack of public complaints or law enforcement issues.
Tamang said he hopes the full City Council will revisit the ordinance at its next meeting.
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