George Hendrickson gives a kiss to his son, Eliyah Hendrickson, then 3, who has Dravet syndrome, in Sioux Falls, S.D., in August 2015. Hendrickson is now mounting a congressional campaign. (Joe Ahlquist, The Argus Leader via AP)

South Dakota medical marijuana advocate running for Congress

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A medical cannabis advocate known at the South Dakota Legislature for fighting for a non-intoxicating compound in marijuana to treat his son is planning an independent congressional bid.

George Hendrickson tells the Argus Leader that he hopes a conservative platform and pledge to reject money from political action committees will set him apart.

The 46-year-old from Sioux Falls says he would work to overhaul federal medical marijuana policy and push to consolidate federal agencies.

Hendrickson’s son has a rare type of epilepsy, and he has advocated for looser state medical marijuana laws. Hendrickson says he wants to be a more responsive federal representative for residents.

Shantel Krebs and Dusty Johnson are competing in the Republican primary for the seat, while Tim Bjorkman is a Democrat in the 2018 contest.

Information from: Argus Leader