San Ramon Tech Firm To Coordinate South Dakota Cannabis Program

SAN RAMON, CA —Accela, a San Ramon-based company that designs and delivers government software, has been selected by the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH) to work behind the scenes and coordinate that state's new medical cannabis program, according to KELO.

Accela signed a five-year contract with the department of health, which began on Sept. 29, and will receive $880,247 annually. The state also has three one-year options to extend the contract.

According to reports, Accela will be partnering with Tacoma, Washington-based software solutions company cloudPWR, a regular collaborator, for the work. The companies first began working together in 2019.

The companies are providing an internet-based system for processing card applications from patients and their caregivers as well as cannabis license applications from businesses.

The South Dakota government reportedly received seven offers to its request for proposal for the medical cannabis coordination project. Three companies advanced to the presentation stage, and Accela was chosen.

"The proposal best met the state's needs," said SDDOH spokesman Daniel Bucheli.

Bucheli told KELO that he expects the Accela-designed system for processing card applications to be ready by the Nov. 18 deadline to start issuing cards.

According to Accela's website, the company specializes in cannabis regulation software solutions.

"Cannabis regulation and cannabis licensing management is a complex regulatory landscape, requiring a coordinated approach between states, local government and businesses," the company said. "New mandates - along with increasing media and public attention - are placing added pressure on governments to move quickly and cost-effectively while also ensuring full compliance to protect public safety."

Accela continued: (The company's cannabis regulation software) eases agency burdens in licensing cannabis cultivation, processing and retail businesses. With automated workflows, flexible license types and strong compliance functionality, Accela Cannabis Regulation makes regulatory agencies more efficient and responsive."