South dakota medical cannabis cards faqs

  • To qualify, you must have a debilitating medical condition as defined by South Dakota law:

    • 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

  • 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)

    • Obtain medical records showing a qualifying condition.

    • Schedule an appointment with a state-licensed medical provider for evaluation.

    • If approved, you’ll receive a certification to apply for the medical cannabis program and obtain your card

  • Once your doctor provides certification, you’ll receive an email from the Department of Health with instructions to set up an account. Confirm whether your doctor will submit the documentation to the state.

    After creating your account, complete the required information and pay the $75 registration fee ($20 extra for home cultivation).

    You can track your application online. Once approved, your card will arrive by mail in 5–7 days. Caregivers must create and submit their applications separately.

  • 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.

  • Renewal begins 45 days before your card expires. You’ll need a new certification from your physician, and the renewal application will remain pending until the week of your card’s expiration to maximize usage. Once approved, the old card becomes void​.

  • Yes, but their parent or legal guardian must complete an attestation and provide additional documentation as part of the application process.

  • Patients are allowed to possess up to three ounces of cannabis at a time.

  • While medical status is protected under HIPAA, employers may still prohibit cannabis use and terminate employees for violating workplace policies.

  • Cannabis can only be used on private property and must remain out of public view.

  • 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.