Medical Cannabis in South Dakota

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A: Yes, when used properly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, medical marijuana can be safe and effective for managing certain medical conditions.

A: Medical marijuana can contain psychoactive compounds like THC, which can cause a euphoric effect. However, the goal of medical marijuana use is to alleviate symptoms, not to get high. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to find the right dose and strain for your needs.

A: Yes, using medical marijuana will likely show up on a drug test. It's important to speak with your employer or healthcare provider about any concerns or accommodations that may be necessary.  

A: Like any medication, medical marijuana can be habit-forming. However, research has shown that it has a lower potential for addiction than many other prescription medications. 

 A: Medical marijuana is a form of treatment that uses the cannabis plant or its extracts to alleviate symptoms of certain medical conditions. 

 A: While medical marijuana is generally considered safe, it can have side effects and potential risks, particularly if used improperly or in high doses. It's important to work with a qualified healthcare provider who can help determine if medical marijuana is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you. 

 A: Medical marijuana can be consumed in a variety of forms, including smoking, vaporizing, edibles, tinctures, and topical creams or lotions. 

A: The legality of medical marijuana varies by state and country. In South Dakota, medical marijuana was legalized through a voter-approved ballot initiative in 2020. While the use of medical marijuana is legal in South Dakota, it's important to note that there are still federal laws that classify marijuana as a controlled substance. As such, using medical marijuana may carry certain legal and employment risks. It's important to discuss these concerns with a qualified attorney or legal professional.

 South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program | South Dakota Department of Health (sd.gov) 

 Codified Law 34-20G | South Dakota Legislature (sdlegislature.gov) 

sdlegislature.gov/api/Rules/Rule/44:90.html?all=true 

 Administrative Rule 44:90 | South Dakota Legislature (sdlegislature.gov) 

A: Medical Cannabis:

All parts of any plant of the genus cannabis, whether growing or not, in its natural and unaltered state, except for drying or curing and crushing or crumbling. The term includes an altered state of cannabis absorbed into the human body. The term does not include fiber produced from the mature stalks of such plant, or oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant. The term does not include the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent on a dry weight basis; (§22-42-1)

A:  Allowable Amounts of Cannabis:

• 3 ounces or less of cannabis
• Department of Health to establish rules for the quantity of products - concentrated cannabis, cannabis extracts, and products that are infused with cannabis or an extract. Includes edible cannabis products, beverages, topical products, ointments, oils, and tinctures
• If the cardholder has a registry identification card allowing cultivation, they are allowed three plants at a minimum or as prescribed by a physician
• If the cardholder is allowed to cultivate, they are allowed any amount as long as it is produced from the cardholder's allowable plants and is possessed at the same property as the plants were cultivated. (§34-20G-1 (1))

A:  Designated Caregiver:

• Is at least 21 years old;
• Has agreed to assist with a qualifying patient's medical use of cannabis;
• Has not been convicted of a disqualifying felony; and
• Assists no more than five qualifying patients, unless the patients reside in or are admitted to a health care or residential care facility where the caregiver is employed. (§34-20G- l (10))