Hey, did you learn how to get a medical card in South Dakota, or you are still trying to figure out the process of getting there? If not yet, it is never too late, and they say better late than never. Right? We shall guide you on this. And for you who got the medical weed card, we have some wonderful news for you. South Dakota is now issuing the first three medical cannabis dispensary licenses.
Due to the patients who have not learned the process of acquiring a medical card, let’s start from there.
South Dakota authorized the use of medical weed for the qualifying patients and established this program effective in 2021.
Qualifying Conditions in SD
Any chronic or debilitating disease or its treatment produces one or more of the following, according to SD law, qualifies for an MMJ card:
- AIDS/HIV
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Muscle Pain
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasticity
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy or seizure
- Cachexia
Although you might have one of the listed medical illnesses above, that does not cut it. But, it is one of the qualifying ways how to get a medical card in South Dakota. However, you still have to fulfill the following qualifications:
- Must be of the right age-at least eighteen (18) years.
- Patients below the required age must get a parental consent
- Must have a current diagnosis of a medical condition (see above)
- Hold a written certification from a certified physician
- Be an SD resident holding proof of residency. A driver’s license and states ID card are acceptable.
Designated Caregiver
A patient with a debilitating condition and is underage can get a caregiver who must be:
- Twenty-one (21) years.
- Has no felony offense or has never been convicted.
- Experienced in taking care of a patient.
- Agrees to assist patient’s medical use of weed
- Assists a maximum of five qualifying patients.
Get Approved
Any state physician certified to prescribe medication to patients can provide a written certification for an SD medical card. The doctor must have a bona fide patient-practitioner relationship. That shows the patient has had several appointments. And based on their professional opinion, the doctor must state that the patient is likely to benefit from the use of medical weed to treat or alleviate the debilitating condition.
Access the Weed Products
After the patient gets a recommendation from the state’s doctor, he can legally purchase the medical cannabis in the SD dispensary. That’s from July 1, 2021.
Which are the Top Dispensaries?
These dispensaries are in; Watertown, Wagner, and Keystone. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe operated the pioneering dispensary in South Dakota.
Kittrick Jeffries is a dispensary named after Jeffrie’s mom (a breast cancer survivor), which also received a license.
Keystone, located two miles from Mount Rushmore, also got approved for serving qualified SD residents.
Jeffries, licensed to operate a dispensary, said he would comply with all things cannabis. And he also added that he was looking forward to collaborating with state and local officials to ensure the dispensaries are compliant with the state. Jeffries said the state is now offering its residents what used to be an unregulated market to a regulated industry.
Get the Weed Recommendation
While there are several dispensaries licensed, it’s safe to deal with one for a personalized recommendation.
What’s the Amount of Weed a Patient can Get?
Patients or guardians can possess eight ounces of medical weed or their products, having an equivalent amount of THC.
Please note that you cannot transport medical weed across state lines. It is still a federal crime that may lead to criminal prosecution.
Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card
One of the satisfactions you get when you become a South Dakota MMJ card holder is the legal element of possessing weed. You can store, consume and purchase from a licensed dispensary.
- It gives you access to alternative meds that are more effective.
- All medical marijuana in South Dakota has been tested. So, you’ll be certain that you are getting the appropriate products.
- It helps you to stop being too dependent on opioid drugs.
- A cardholder can cultivate up to 3 plants at home.
- Access to South Dakota dispensaries.
- Access a wider range of weed products such as tinctures, gummies, flowers, etc.
- Recreational weed users (adult use) get a tax element of 15 percent. But a medical cannabis card holder gets the products tax-free.
In Conclusion
Since it is clear how to get a medical card in South Dakota, get started if you’re a qualifying patient of age or caregiver. After being on the waitlist for those who had earlier applied for the MMJ card, they can now access the available licensed dispensaries for their medical weed products. While rec-weed is also legal for (adult use), there is a restriction on the amount of cannabis you can possess, and a person must be 21yrs and above.
