Popular South Dakota Cannabis Advocate Running For House Seat

A well known cannabis advocate is running for House District 35 (which covers parts of Rapid City, Rapid Valley, Box Elder, and surrounding areas).

Here is some info on House candidate Emmett Reistroffer:

Political & Public-Policy Positions + Self-Presentation — What He Emphasizes

When he launched his House campaign in 2025, Reistroffer presented a platform centered on: 

Fiscal conservatism — he favors limiting government spending and supports a “Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)” to cap government growth, require voter approval for new taxes, and push for refunds when revenues exceed set limits. 

Public safety, support for law enforcement, and “accountability and transparency.” 

“Free markets” and economic growth, positioning himself as pro-business and supportive of sustainable industry (including cannabis) under regulated frameworks. 

He claims he isn’t “just another ‘pro-pot’ activist.” Indeed, his campaign release says he opposed previous statewide legalization ballot measures — allegedly because he believed they were “poorly written.” 

Reistroffer frames himself as pragmatic and results-oriented, with a mix of business experience and policy ambition. 

Recent Public Actions, Stance & Activism (2025–2023)

In June 2025, Reistroffer and others publicly raised concerns to the city council in Sioux Falls about unregulated “smoke shops” allegedly selling illegal marijuana products, claiming lack of oversight and safety risks.  He and partners claim to have conducted undercover buys of products at these locations; according to them, 100% of tested samples allegedly “tested to be marijuana.” 

In late 2025 (October), he spoke during a session of the state’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee, criticizing what he described as a coordinated effort to restrict or repeal the medical marijuana program. His remarks reportedly “sent a shock wave through our community.” 

He submitted a draft initiated measure in 2023 aimed at legalizing adult-use (recreational) cannabis in South Dakota — which would also enable “dual-use licenses” for medical dispensaries. 

Despite his industry background, he emphasizes that he opposed prior statewide legalization efforts because of flaws in the proposed laws — suggesting he favors regulated, structured legalization rather than broad or rushed reforms. 

Bottom Line: What Reistroffer Represents & What to Watch

Emmett Reistroffer is a significant — perhaps among the most prominent — figures in South Dakota’s medical cannabis industry. This campaign will be watched and updated on here at WeedPress. Best wishes to all candidates running for election this year.

Viability: can cannabis advocates win in South Dakota?

Timeline of Key Public Events & Records

Nov 2021: Genesis Farms — via Reistroffer — submits 26 applications for dispensary licenses in the City of Sioux Falls.  

Dec 2021: Genesis Farms wins Minnehaha County’s single medical-marijuana dispensary license lottery.  

March 2022: As COO, Reistroffer announces the opening stages for what would be the first medical dispensary in Minnehaha County under Genesis Farms. 

May 30, 2025: A state inspection report for a Genesis Farms dispensary in Mitchell, SD found the facility “in compliance” across all tested categories (management plan, security plan, waste management, facility safety, packaging, storage, etc.).

Mid-2022: According to Genesis Farms’ own site: the company held multiple licenses — six dispensary licenses, one manufacturing license, and one cultivation license.  That vertical-integration approach (cultivation → manufacturing → retail) would give the company control over supply and prices, undercutting reliance on third parties.

July 2023: Opening of a second Genesis Farms medicinal cannabis dispensary in Rapid City, S.D. — Reistroffer (as operations manager) quoted in media

June 2023: Opening of a Genesis Farms dispensary in Aberdeen, S.D. — Reistroffer quoted on company’s decision to open only one store in that city despite multiple permits, citing patient-card numbers.  This move signaled responsiveness to market demand and a degree of caution in over-expansion; also shows public comments about market conditions.

June 2025: Reistroffer’s hemp shop concerns raised and reported on by media.

Aug 19, 2025: Reistroffer appears before the state Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee — listed as “Director of Government Relations, Genesis Farms” in the minutes.  

Oct 22–23, 2025: At a full Oversight Committee hearing, Reistroffer publicly criticizes what he calls a coordinated effort to restrict or repeal the state’s medical-marijuana program. He addresses the committee during public comment, inciting pushback (committee chairwoman interrupts him)

WeedPress reporters will monitor this, and other developments in South Dakota’s political environment, in future articles. Stay tuned!