South Dakota Medical Cannabis Cards

Medical Cannabis FAQs

  • In South Dakota, only eligible patients and caregivers registered with the South Dakota Department of Health may purchase medical cannabis products from a licensed dispensary.

    Registered patients and caregivers are sometimes referred to as “cardholders”.

    Both the patient and caregiver do not need to be present together at the time of purchase.

  • • AIDS or HIV-positive status

    • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

    • Cachexia (wasting syndrome)

    • Cancer

    • Crohn’s disease

    • Chronic/debilitating pain

    • Epilepsy or seizures

    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

    • Muscular dystrophy

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Severe muscle spasticity

    • Uncontrollable nausea or vomiting

    1. Visit your primary medical practitioner and ask about using medical cannabis for your condition. Your practitioner can provide a certification to use medical cannabis, and/or refer you to another practitioner.

    2. Visit the Department of Health’s website for the medical cannabis program, and thoroughly review the requirements to register as a medical cannabis patient or caregiver.

  • After your physician provides a certification and submits the required documentation, you will receive an email from the Department of Health with a link and instructions to set up an account. Keep in mind, your doctor may or may not take care of submission to the state. It’s best to have that conversation with your doctor.

    After you set up an account, you need to provide all required information and pay the registration fee ($75). An additional $20 fee will be added for home cultivation registration

  • Before visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in South Dakota, you must fulfill the following qualifications:

    • Be 18 years of age or older

    • Patients under 18 years of age must have parental consent

    • Have a current diagnosis of a qualifying condition

    • Hold an official written certification from a physician

    • Be a South Dakota resident with proof of residency (valid South Dakota driver’s license or state ID card)

  • The card is issued for 1 year at a time on the issue date. It is required to renew your physician’s certification every year.

  • Yes. According to State law, patients registered to cultivate marijuana can grow 4 plants at a maximum, two flowering and 2 nonflowering.

    Plants must be in a locked space within a private residence that is not publicly visible.

    The person who owns or controls the private property can forbid cannabis cultivation on the property.

  • South Dakota residents may petition the Department of Health to add a serious medical condition to the list of qualifying conditions.

    Learn about the petition process here.

  • In South Dakota, patients with out-of-state medical cards can apply for South Dakota Medical Cannabis Cards if their qualifying condition is recognized by the state.

    Become a South Dakota medical cannabis cardholder.

  • Start low, and go slow. It is recommended that first-time users should first try it in a familiar and safe environment.

    After using, wait a minimum of one to two hours to determine the effects.

    Keeping track of consumption through a usage log is the best way to learn your optimal dosing regimen.

  • Physician sitting with patient explains medical cannabis in South Dakota.

    Become a Certified Cardholder

    To access dispensaries or cultivate cannabis at home, you or a caregiver must register with the state of South Dakota and receive a medical cannabis card from the Department of Health.

    Medical cannabis products are intended for registered cardholders in South Dakota only.

    Visit DOH Website
  • Elderly adults happily discussing the relief they experience from medical cannabis.

    Age & Residency Requirements

    Many qualifications must be fulfilled before receiving a South Dakota medical cannabis card: You must be 18 years of age or older (or have parental consent if under 18); have a current diagnosis of a qualifying condition; have written certification from your doctor; and provide proof being a South Dakota resident.

    Read FAQs & Resources

  • For Out-of-State Cardholders

    Nonresidents with a medical cannabis card from another state may apply to receive a South Dakota issued card if you have a current diagnosis of a qualifying condition recognized by the state.

    Out-of-state cardholders interested in a South Dakota card may visit the DOH’s medical cannabis program website.

    Nonresident Application

SD Cardholders: Pre-Register with Our Dispensaries!

Already received your South Dakota medical cannabis card from the SD Department of Health?

Sign up as a patient or designated caregiver at our licensed dispensaries across South Dakota.