South Dakota Cannabis and Marijuana License

Do you want to get a South Dakota cannabis and marijuana license? If yes, the article will answer many of your questions.

Marijuana license

As it has already been mentioned, in the state medical licenses cannabis is legal. It was legalized in 2020. From July 2021 the laws and regulations on Measure 26 became effective.

So, is it possible to apply for a license? Yes, the state issues 4 types of permits. Each requires a separate application. Moreover, the applicants need to meet several conditions to succeed.

Let’s see what types of certificates and permits are available. Before touching on the main subject, it is important to mention some facts once again. Being that, in SD only healing weed is legal. Consequently, the program would be put into practice until October of the current year.

So, here are the main types of medical marijuana licenses:

Cultivator’s license

South Dakota cultivator’s license enables applicants to grow, own, deliver, transport, and transfer healing cannabis.

For now, the application fee is still uncertain. Even so, the initial suggestion included in Measure 26 suggested that the application fee for the cultivator’s or the grower’s licenses should be up to $5000. Also, the renewal is probably going to cost you the same – $5000.

Dispensary license

So, what is a dispensary and what opportunities does the South Dakota dispensary license give? They enable to own, sell, store, dispense, deliver, transfer and supply the products. The application fee is not final yet.

Even so, the approximate fee will not probably exceed $5000. The renewal fee is also set to be $5,000.

Manufacturer’s license

To manufacture, own, get, supply, transport and deliver the products, the residents of the state should apply for a manufacturer’s license.

When the program of medicinal cannabis finalizes, the applications will be accepted by the special Board. For now, anyway, the initial registration payment is $5,000.

This is, however, the application fee only. For instance, in the case of North Dakota marijuana licenses, when the manufacturer’s permit is issued, there is a final $90,000 fee. The refreshment fee is also set to be $5000.

It is worth mentioning that Ohio has a similar license type.

Testing

Finally, applicants can apply for testing licenses. It enables entities to determine the safety of MMJ and other relevant products.

The application fee is not likely to be more than $5000. The same refers to the refreshment payment. Currently, South Dakota is not accepting applications for any license.

Medical marijuana

Medical cannabis was legalized in the state still in October 2020. Anyways, up to now, there are still restrictions in the field. Patients need more freedom and opportunities. Thus, the process of easing laws in the field is still going on.

Medical cards

To be able to use MMJ, patients should own special cards, issued by certified specialists. Without it, access to weed is strongly forbidden.

There are a number of certain rules to follow to become a cardholder. The state has yet to set all the rules and conditions for MMJ.

For now, the main conditions to obtain the said card are:

• Be 18 years old and more
• Have a caregiver (for patients under 18)
• Be a resident of South Dakota
• Maintain a valid ID
• Have a qualifying condition
• Own a valid certification of a doctor

How to get your card online?

In case you are unable to leave the house, you can still receive your card. You can meet an authorized doctor via Telemedicine. The process is easy, quick, and efficient. You can get your MMJ card almost right away. Make an appointment with a doctor through telemedicine and get it shortly after.

Who can get an MMJ card?

First, you should have a qualifying health disorder. Of course, there are specified qualifying conditions that make a person a valid candidate. Here is the list of the conditions:

• Cancer
• AIDS/HIV
• Cachexia
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy or Seizures
• Glaucoma
• Intractable Nausea
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Severe Muscle Spasticity

After you get the doctor’s approval, you have yet another important step to complete.

FSST Medical Marijuana Card

The state medical program will operate fully starting from this autumn. Taking this into account, MMJ patients need to obtain FSST cards. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Commission enables patients to get healing weed until then.

To become a South Dakota FSST cardholder, you need to submit:

• A completed MMJ application
• A valid photo
• Application fee ($50)

Apply either by mail, fax, or in person. If the Commission approves your application, they may immediately issue you the card. It is possible if you visit their office. Otherwise, they will send it to you by mail.

Why is it important to get FSST South Dakota MMJ card? Actually, it has many benefits. Most importantly, it enables you to:

Have access to medical marijuana

If you are an FSST cardholder, you can receive medical weed from FSST dispensaries. In case you do not get it, you will have to wait for the state cannabis program. Only then, you will have access to weed in South Dakota. Besides, if you own it, you are legally protected.

Even if you are caught with cannabis, you are still protected by the law. The card gives you the right to own healing cannabis legally. According to the law, an MMJ patient has the right to use weed. He/she can use it the way other people use the medicine.

You can seek health care and assistance

If you have any of the conditions or diseases listed above, you surely need special assistance. FSST cards give you access to quality care and assistance. The specialized doctors will help you get the right dosage, form, and amount of medical marijuana.

The cardholders can:

• Possess the approved amount of weed
• Transfer it to a testing lab
• Grow the approved amount in a confined area

FSST card is valid for a whole year. It is renewed annually. To refresh, you need to visit a certified doctor or contact one through telemedicine. If you choose to do it through telemedicine, it will generally cost you about $150.

The available forms

The available forms of medical cannabis at dispensaries are allowed to be:

• Concentrates
• Edible products/gummies/beverages
• Topical
• Oils
• Tinctures

Other forms and dosages may also be available for patients. Also, the good news is that patients will be able to grow up to 3 plants in a secluded area for personal use.

 Caregivers

A caregiver is a person that is authorized to receive cannabis on behalf of the patient. The caregiver can also administer and dispense weed for his/her patient.

To become a caregiver, a person should:

• Be 21 years old and more
• Complete a caregiver application form and send it to the FSST commission
• Assist no more than 5 patients
• Have a clear criminal record

Recreational Marijuana

Still a year ago – in 2020, 54% of voters passed “Amendment A” on legalizing recreational cannabis in South Dakota. Even so, months later, the South Dakota court blocked the recreational cannabis law. Since then the issue has been in a stalemate. Thus, the future of recreational weed is still unknown.

On the negative side, authorities are against the legalization of adult-use weed. In contrast, the benefits can come to around $35 million annually (if legalized). In fact, this is going to be a huge boost for the economy.