Ex-Highway Patrolman Turned Cannabis Entrepreneur Criticizes Gaps In South Dakota’s Hemp Regulation
Alan Welsh, known for his distinguished law enforcement career as a highway patrolman, now finds himself at the helm of Dakota Herb, a burgeoning cannabis operation. His transition from law enforcement to a medical cannabis advocate and entrepreneur serves as testament of the drastic change in his views.
During his 28-year tenure with the highway patrol, Welsh was instrumental in numerous high-profile drug seizures, his most notable being the 2012 confiscation of 295 pounds of marijuana, reported South Dakota Searchlight. Today, his cannabis company regularly produces similar quantities, strictly for medical use.
From Law Enforcement To Cannabis Advocacy
“When I was in law enforcement, I’d have gone crazy seeing this,” Welsh said. The irony of Welsh’s career pivot is palpable as he navigates through rooms full of cannabis, a stark contrast to his days in uniform. This change was sparked by his post-retirement stint managing security for a North Dakota …