Is South Dakota’s new medical cannabis program a bit confusing to you? If so, you are not alone. When a program is new, it’s normal to have a lot of questions.

But don’t worry, understanding the rules doesn’t have to be a big challenge. This guide is here to be your clear, step-by-step map to the state’s medical cannabis laws.

We will cover everything you need to know, from getting a card to the rules on growing your own plants. Your path to wellness through medical cannabis in South Dakota is now open, and we are here to show you the way.

Medical vs. Recreational Use in SD

First, let’s talk about what is legal. In South Dakota, medical cannabis is legal for patients with a qualifying condition. This became law in 2020 when voters passed a measure to create the program.

However, cannabis for recreational or “just for fun” use is still illegal. The program is managed by the South Dakota Department of Health, or DOH. To legally buy, have, or grow cannabis, you must have a medical cannabis card issued by the state.

A Look at South Dakota’s Medical Conditions

So, how do you know if you can get a medical card? To qualify, the state says you must have a “debilitating medical condition.”

This means a serious or long-lasting health problem or its treatment that causes one or more of the following issues.

The Official List of Qualifying Conditions

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome: This is when you lose a lot of weight and muscle from a chronic illness.
• Severe, debilitating pain: This is pain that is very strong and makes it hard to live your daily life.
• Severe nausea: This is feeling very sick to your stomach, often so much that you can’t eat.
• Seizures: This includes conditions like epilepsy.
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms: This includes spasms like those from multiple sclerosis.

The state may also approve other serious conditions if you and your doctor submit a special request. This means there is hope even if your condition isn’t listed above.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a South Dakota Medical Card

If you have one of the conditions we talked about, you might be wondering what to do next. Getting your card is a clear process with just a few simple steps. Let’s walk through them together.

Establish a Relationship with a Physician and Get Certified

The very first step is to talk with a doctor. The state requires that you have a real relationship with this doctor, meaning they know you and your health history.

During your visit, the doctor will confirm you have a qualifying condition. If they believe medical cannabis could help you, they will provide a certification for you.

Finding a physician who is comfortable with and knowledgeable about medical cannabis is key. To make this simple, services like HealifyNow are designed to connect you with qualified doctors online, helping you get your certification from the comfort of home.

Create an Account on the State Portal

After you get your certification from the doctor, your next step is to go online. You will need to visit the official South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program website and create a personal account.

This is where you will manage your application with the state.

Complete Your Application and Pay the Fee

Once your doctor submits your certification to the state, you will get an email. Then, you can log in to your new account to finish your application.

You will need to provide proof of your identity and show that you live in South Dakota. You will also need to pay the state’s application fee, which is currently $75.

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Receive Your Card

After you have submitted everything, the Department of Health will review your application. Once they approve it, they will mail your official medical cannabis ID card to you.

You will need this card to buy medicine from any licensed dispensary in the state.

Possession and Purchasing Rules

Once you have your card, it is important to know the rules about how much medicine you can have. South Dakota has clear limits for patients.

• Cannabis Flower: You can have up to three ounces of natural cannabis flower.
• Other Products: You can also have an equal amount of other cannabis products. This includes things like edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. The DOH sets the rules for what an “equal amount” is.

Following these rules is a key part of the regulations for medical cannabis in South Dakota. Understanding them will help you stay compliant and safe.

The Rules on Home Cultivation

One of the most unique parts of South Dakota’s law is that some patients can grow their own medicine. This is a big deal for people who don’t live near a dispensary.

You may be able to grow your own cannabis if you live in a county that does not have a dispensary. You can also get approved if you live more than 30 miles away from the nearest one.

If you are approved for home growing, you can have a minimum of two mature, flowering plants and two immature plants. This is a very important and helpful aspect of the laws for cannabis in South Dakota.

Renewals and Other Important Regulations

To keep using your medical card, there are a few more rules to keep in mind. These will help you stay in good standing with the state program.

First, your medical card is only good for one year. To keep it active, you must see a doctor for a new certification and renew your card with the state every single year.

Managing your annual renewal is easy with a dedicated provider. Many offer a patient portal where you can track your card’s expiration date and schedule your renewal appointment.

Also, remember that you can only use your medicine in a private place, not in public. And it is illegal and very dangerous to drive a car after using cannabis.

Finally, as you explore your options, learning about different cannabis strains can help you make more informed choices at the dispensary.

We know this is a lot of information, but we hope it has helped clear things up. South Dakota’s medical cannabis program offers a clear path to relief for people who need it.

While there are a few rules to follow, the process is very manageable. We hope this guide has answered your questions and helps you confidently navigate the world of medical cannabis in South Dakota.

Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.