Proponents of the measure have argued SB2344 is an attempt to sidestep what the public wanted by watering down the spirit of the law.

SB2344 primary sponsor and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, has long disagreed with those accusations. He said the objective is to provide access to medical marijuana to those who want to pursue it as an option.

“It’s a bipartisan effort. We don’t have a lot of those but, on this one, we do, because everybody, no matter what your political affiliation, cares about the people of this state,” said Wardner, underscoring the need to honor the will of the 64 percent of voters that approved medical marijuana.

“They probably had a friend or a family member who’s suffered or are suffering from some chronic condition and they need relief, and they are sincere,” Wardner said.

SB2344 sets the annual fee for a user ID card at $200. Certification fees for manufacturing facilities would cost $80,000, and, for dispensaries, it would be $60,000. Renewal for both would be at the same cost every two years.

Users would be capped at 2.5 ounces of leaves and flowered plant product every 30 days and possession would be capped at 3 ounces. Liquids would be capped at 10 grams.