Happening Now
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
106
Approved Physicians
1,195
Approved Patient Cards
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
106
Approved Physicians
1,150
Approved Patient Cards
PUBLIC HEARING FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS RULE CHANGES
A public hearing will be held in The Hayes Building conference room on the first floor, 600 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota, on June 21, 2022, at 1:00 pm Central, to consider the adoption and amendment of proposed medical cannabis administrative rule changes.
Persons interested in presenting amendments, data, opinions, and arguments for or against the proposed rules may appear in-person or remotely at the hearing, or mail them to Department of Health, 600 east Capitol Avenue, Pierre South Dakota, or e-mail to dohcomments@state.sd.us. Those wishing to testify remotely must register by June 17, 2022, by email to dohcomments@state.sd.us. Witnesses should provide their full name, email address, whom they are representing, and city of residence. The deadline to submit any such written comments for consideration by this agency is July 1, 2022.
For More Information>WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
106
Approved Physicians
1,121
Approved Patient Cards
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
105
Approved Physicians
989
Approved Patient Cards
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
102
Approved Physicians
911
Approved Patient Cards
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
98
Approved Physicians
824
Approved Patient Cards
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
97
Approved Physicians
768
Approved Patient Cards
WEEKLY PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT CARD NUMBERS
96
Approved Physicians
652
Approved Patient Cards
RANDOM DRAWING TO DETERMINE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT CERTIFICATION IN THE CITY OF NORTH SIOUX CITY
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program performed a random drawing on Wednesday, April 20, at 3:00PM CST to determine successful applicants for dispensary, manufacturing, and cultivation certification in the city of North Sioux City. The drawing was held at the South Dakota Lottery on the third floor of the Dolly-Reed Plaza, 711 East Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD. Members of the public had the opportunity to view the drawing live through a viewing window or via videoconference.
RAPID CITY DISPENSARY LOTTERY DRAWING
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program performed a random drawing on Wednesday, March 9, at 3:00 PM CST to determine successful applicants for dispensary certification in Rapid City. The drawing was held at South Dakota Lottery on the third floor of the Dolly-Reed Plaza, 711 East Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD. Members of the public had the opportunity to view the drawing live through a viewing window or via videoconference.
Watch Drawing>RANDOM DRAWING TO DETERMINE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR DISPENSARY CERTIFICATION IN THE CITY OF YANKTON
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program performed a random drawing on Wednesday, January 26, at 3:30PM CST to determine successful applicants for dispensary certification in the City of Yankton. The drawing was held at South Dakota Lottery on the third floor of the Dolly-Reed Plaza, 711 East Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD. Members of the public had the opportunity to view the drawing live through a viewing window or via videoconference.
See Drawing Results>FIRST ESTABLISHMENT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATIONS ISSUED
The Department of Health has issued South Dakota's first medical cannabis establishment registration certificates to dispensaries from Watertown and Keystone. Certified establishments will be listed on the Medcannabis.sd.gov website. As staff continue to review applications, additional registration certificates will be issued in the coming weeks.
View More >APPLICATION REVIEW CHECKLIST NOW AVAILABLE
To aid medical cannabis establishment applicants, the checklist that Department of Health staff will utilize to review and certify medical cannabis establishments is now available to the public. In preparing applications for individual establishment types, refer to this checklist to make sure required information is provided in all applications.
View More >Notice of Intent to Award Issued to Metrc
Metrc, LLC has been issued an "intent to award" letter. Upon contract approval, they will design and implement a "seed to sale" inventory tracking system to help monitor the South Dakota medical cannabis program.
Patient Application Portal Now Available for Physician Certifications
Physicians can now access the medical cannabis patient portal and begin certifying medical cannabis patients. Once certified by a physician, patients will then be able to access the online application process and complete their applications. Approved applicants will have a medical cannabis patient card mailed to them.
Information pertaining to establishment applications that must be submitted to the department by November 1, 2021 pursuant to ARSD 44:90:03:12
The Department of Health has released information pertaining to establishment applications that must be submitted to the department by November 1, 2021 pursuant to ARSD 44:90:03:12. Applicants will be allowed to submit establishment applications without a sales tax ID, so long as the application is supplemented with a sales tax ID within 14 days of submission. Applicants will also be allowed to submit applications without a completed Form E, so long as the application is supplemented with an executed Form E within 90 days of submission. Please see the updated FAQs for more information.
Establishment Application Now Available
Click below to apply for a medical cannabis establishment registration certificate with the Department of Health.
Establishment Application Checklist Available
In preparing to apply for a medical cannabis establishment registration certificate with the Department of Health, applicants may utilize this checklist to ensure they are prepared to answer all questions and gather all required documents. Applications will be available soon!
Updated Reverted Rules
The South Dakota Department of Health released updated reverted rules related to implementation of the state’s Medical Cannabis Program.
Medical Cannabis Program Rules Pass Interim Rules Review Committee
The Legislature’s Interim Rules Review Committee approved the Department of Health’s proposed administrative rules to establish a medical cannabis program in South Dakota. The legislature approved 143 of 149 proposed rules.
Department of Health Presented Proposed Administrative Rules to the Legislature Interim Rules Review Committee
The Department of Health presented to the Legislature Interim Rules Review Committee its proposed administrative rules.
Department of Health released latest draft of its proposed administrative rules
The Department of Health released the latest draft of its proposed administrative rules for the South Dakota Medical Cannabis program.
Department of Health Holds Medical Cannabis Public Hearing
The Department of Health held an in-person/virtual public hearing in Pierre to consider the adoption and amendment of proposed rules for South Dakota medical cannabis program as required by SDCL 34-20G.
**Please note due to technical difficulties, some portions of the hearing may not have audio.
South Dakota Department of Health Notice of Public Hearing to Adopt Rules
The South Dakota Department of Health announced that a public hearing will be held on August 18, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. CDT, in Conference Room 3 of the Kneip Building, 700 Governor’s Drive in Pierre, SD to consider the adoption and amendment of proposed rules for South Dakota medical cannabis program as required by SDCL 34-20G.
RFP for Cannabis Seed to Sale Tracking System - RFP ID#2439
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) and the South Dakota Department of Revenue (SD-DOR) are jointly issuing a request for proposal (RFP) (ID #2439) to acquire a cannabis tracking system to be used to support the final implementation of the South Dakota medical cannabis program.
Highway Patrol Framework for Implementation of IM-26 & Debilitating Conditions
Department of Health Holds
Medical Cannabis Zoom Sessions
Department of Health Hosts
Medical Cannabis Telephone Town Halls
Recent Events
- March 9, 2022: The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program performed a random drawing to determine successful applicants for dispensary certification in Rapid City. The drawing was held at South Dakota Lottery on the third floor of the Dolly-Reed Plaza, 711 East Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD. Members of the public had the opportunity to view the drawing live through a viewing window or via videoconference.
- January 26, 2022: The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program performed a random drawing to determine successful applicants for dispensary certification in the City of Yankton. The drawing was held at South Dakota Lottery on the third floor of the Dolly-Reed Plaza, 711 East Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD. Members of the public had the opportunity to view the drawing live through a viewing window or via videoconference.
- January 19, 2022: The Department of Health has issued the first medical cannabis establishment registration certificates to dispensaries in Watertown and Keystone, South Dakota.
- November 18, 2021: Today, in accordance with SDCL 34-20G and the unwavering commitment of Governor Noem and the South Dakota Department of Health to deliver a safe and responsible medical cannabis program, the first medical cannabis patient cards were printed and issued. See news release here.
- November 8, 2021: Physicians can now access the medical cannabis patient portal and begin certifying medical cannabis patients. Once certified by a physician, patients will then be able to access the online application process and complete their applications. Approved applicants will have a medical cannabis patient card mailed to them. See Patient Process Overview for more information.
- October 26, 2021: The Rules Review Committee approved the Department of Health Revised Rules with a 6-0 vote.
- October 25, 2021: The South Dakota Department of Health released medical cannabis establishment application form.
more events >

frequently asked questions
Patient Information
How can I access medical cannabis?
Any sale or purchase of medical cannabis must comply with SDCL 34-20G and ARSD 44:90. Any sale or purchase of cannabis outside of the regulated medical cannabis establishments is illegal.
What are the qualifying conditions to become a medical cannabis patient?
Under the new law passed by the voters, a condition that allows a patient to use medical cannabis must be a "debilitating medical condition," which is defined by SDCL 34-20G-1 as "a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating pain; severe nausea; seizures; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis".
What is the process to apply for a medical cannabis card?
ARSD 44:90:02 establishes the requirements for applying for a medical cannabis card including:
- A photocopy of an unexpired form of identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, US government-issued ID card, tribal ID card, student ID card);
- A passport-quality photo; and
- A $75 fee. Low-income individuals (those with gross monthly household income <130% of the federal poverty level) can request a reduced fee by providing documentation of household income.
Applications for a medical cannabis card cannot be processed until the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program receives the certification for medical cannabis use by the patient’s physician. Click here for an overview of the patient process.
What type of photo should I submit with my application?
Per 44:90:04:04, a photograph meeting all the following requirements:
(a) A high resolution color photo that is not blurry, grainy, pixelated, or digitally altered;
(b) Uses a clear image of the individual’s face without filters;
(c) Uses a plain white or off-white background;
(d) Is two by two inches in size;
(e) Is printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper; and
(f) Is not damaged with holes, creases, or smudges;
When will I be able to apply for a medical cannabis card?
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program began accepting applications from qualifying patients on November 8, 2021. Click here for an overview of the patient process.
Who provides the certification for a medical cannabis patient?
Per SDCL 34-20G-1, physicians with authority to prescribe drugs must provide a written certification stating that in their professional opinion the patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of cannabis to treat or alleviate the patient's debilitating condition or symptom associated with the debilitating condition. The document must affirm that it is made in the course of a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship and must also specify the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition. An in-person assessment is required. Physician participation in the medical cannabis patient certification process is voluntary.
Is there a list of physicians that will provide a certification for medical cannabis use?
No, the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program does not maintain a list of physicians who will provide a certification for medical cannabis use.
Can a medical cannabis patient have a designated caregiver?
Yes, so long as the designated caregiver:
- Is at least twenty-one years of age;
- Has agreed to assist with a qualifying patient's medical use of cannabis;
- Has not been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense; and
- Assists no more than five qualifying patients with the medical use of cannabis, unless the designated caregiver's qualifying patients each reside in or are admitted to a health care facility or residential care facility where the designated caregiver is employed.
What do I need to be able to grow cannabis plants in my home?
As part of the application process to obtain a registry identification card for the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program, applicants may also apply to cultivate three cannabis plants in their home. An application to cultivate more than three plants simultaneously for a single patient’s use must be accompanied by a certification from the individual’s physician authorizing cultivation of an extended plant count.
What if I'm stopped by Highway Patrol, but I don't have a medical cannabis card?
Highway Patrol personnel will not, at the scene of a stop or interaction, arrest a South Dakota resident who is unable to present an unexpired medical cannabis card, as long each of the following apply:
- The individual possesses no more than three ounces of natural and unaltered marijuana, as defined by SDCL 22-42-1;
- The individual claims at the time of the interaction that the medical cannabis is to treat or alleviate a debilitating medical condition as defined by SDCL 34-20-1;
- The individual produces printed or electronic documentation relative to the debilitating medical condition from a licensed medical doctor.
What if I have a nonresident card or tribal card?
Highway Patrol personnel will not arrest nonresident or tribal cardholders for possession of cannabis, nor will they seize the cannabis or any associated paraphernalia, if the following applies:
- The cardholder presents an unexpired medical cannabis card issued by another state; and
- He or she possesses no more than three ounces of natural and unaltered cannabis, as defined by SDCL 22-42-1.
Am I allowed to consume cannabis in a car?
South Dakota's impaired driving laws still apply. An individual may not operate a motor vehicle under the influence of medical cannabis. Drivers are prohibited from smoking or consuming cannabis or cannabis concentrate. Passengers are also prohibited from smoking cannabis or cannabis concentrate.
Where do I find the laws and administrative rules for medical cannabis in South Dakota?
Initiated Measure 26 became SDCL 34-20G. Administrative rules for the program can be found at ARSD 44:90.
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program is in the final stages of implementing a statewide patient registry, verification, and licensing system that will ensure that only verified patients and caregivers have access to medical cannabis. The patient verification system will also ensure that South Dakota law enforcement officials have the necessary tools to accurately identify medical cannabis patients/caregivers they may encounter.
Will the information I provide to obtain a medical cannabis registration be secure?
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program takes privacy and health information security seriously. The secure online registry system for patients, caregivers, physicians, and law enforcement will meet or exceed all state and federal standards for confidentiality, accessibility, and information security.
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program cannot provide legal advice to qualifying patients as to the impact of medical cannabis use. Qualifying patients or others with legal questions should consult with their own legal counsel.
No. Our patient-friendly application process is explained here and no fee, other than an application fee, should be paid to apply for your medical cannabis patient/caregiver card. Individuals should use caution if using a business offering to assist with the application process. If you have been targeted or feel you have been victim to a scam, please report it here. Got questions about the medical cannabis program? Call us at 605-773-3048.
Medical Cannabis Establishments
What kind of business registrations will be available for medical cannabis establishments?
SDCL 34-20G establishes the following registration types: cultivator, manufacturer, dispensary, and testing. Collectively these are referred to as establishments.
Where do I find the laws and administrative rules for medical cannabis in South Dakota?
Initiated Measure 26 became SDCL 34-20G. Administrative rules for the program can be found at ARSD 44:90.
Where do I apply for a medical cannabis business registration?
You may register your medical cannabis establishment with the Department of Health using this link.
Note: Additional registration and operational requirements may be established/required at the local level.
The South Dakota Medical Cannabis program has developed a checklist to help establishments in preparing to apply for a medical cannabis establishment registration certificate.
Can my business transport cannabis from other states to sell in South Dakota?
No, the transportation of cannabis across state lines remains a federal crime and could result in federal criminal prosecution.
For Medical Cannabis Establishment Applications that Must be Submitted by November 1, 2021 pursuant to ARSD 44:90:03:12:
Yes, the Department of Health will allow applicants who must submit applications by November 1, 2021 (per ARSD 44:90:03:12) to submit applications that do not have a sales tax ID number. You must supplement your application with the sales tax ID number within 14 days of submission, or as soon as you receive the sales tax ID number from Department of Revenue. Please contact the Department of Health with questions.
Yes, the Department of Health will allow applicants who must submit applications by November 1, 2021 (per ARSD 44:90:03:12) to submit applications without an attached Form E. You must supplement your application with a completed Form E within 90 days of submission. Please contact the Department of Health with questions.