South Dakota Cannabis Laws

Legal — Medical Only

South Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2020 through Initiated Measure 26. A simultaneous recreational measure (Amendment A) was passed by voters but struck down by the state Supreme Court. Medical dispensaries are operational.

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Quick Facts

Minimum Age	18+ (medical only)
Purchase Limits (Rec)	N/A — Not legal
Purchase Limits (Med)	3 oz per calendar year (increased amounts available with physician authorization)
Delivery Allowed	No
Home Growing	Medical patients may grow up to 3 plants if they live more than 50 miles from a dispensary.
Public Consumption	Prohibited.
ID Requirements	South Dakota medical cannabis card, Government-issued photo ID
Tourist Rules	Only South Dakota residents with medical cards may purchase. No out-of-state reciprocity.
Penalties	Possession of 2 oz or less is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 1 year, $2,000 fine). Over 2 oz escalates.
Tax Info	Medical: standard state sales tax (4.5%) plus applicable municipal taxes.

Medical Cannabis Program

Qualifying Conditions

Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's, cachexia, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, and other debilitating conditions.

How to Get a Card

Patients must be certified by a South Dakota physician and register with the South Dakota Department of Health. Fee is $50.

Cannabis in South Dakota

South Dakota has a complicated cannabis history. In November 2020, voters approved both medical cannabis (IM 26) and recreational cannabis (Amendment A). However, the recreational amendment was challenged in court and overturned by the South Dakota Supreme Court in 2021. The medical program survived and dispensaries opened in 2023.

Next steps: compare dispensaries in South Dakota, how to find a licensed dispensary, what to bring to a dispensary, and browse all state cannabis pages.

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Official License Lookup

Verify a dispensary's license on the official South Dakota website:

Visit South Dakota Cannabis Regulator