How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in South Dakota

One of the main reasons to get a medical cannabis card is the legal security it offers. Without a card, possessing up to 2 ounces of cannabis is considered a minor offense which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. For cardholders, however, possession and use within the legal limits are protected under South Dakota’s medical cannabis laws. The card essentially shields you from arrest or prosecution for activities that are otherwise illegal for non-cardholders. As a patient, it’s advised to carry your card with you whenever you are in possession of medical cannabis to avoid unnecessary interactions with law enforcement.

A medical cannabis card in South Dakota also opens up the possibility of access for minors under specific conditions. In cases where younger patients may benefit from cannabis as a treatment, they can be issued a card through their caregiver. This provides legal access to a regulated treatment option for those under 18, a flexibility not available through the recreational system, which limits use to those over 21. If your child or someone under your care qualifies for medical marijuana, this is the only legal route to provide them with this form of treatment in South Dakota.

For those who travel frequently or need to access medical cannabis outside of South Dakota, a medical marijuana card offers the benefit of reciprocity. This means your South Dakota-issued card may be accepted in other states that recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. States such as Nevada, Oklahoma, Maine, and Arkansas, among others, allow you to purchase medical cannabis products while traveling. This can be a significant advantage if you need to maintain your treatment regimen on the go. However, it’s essential to verify each state's specific reciprocity rules before traveling, as they can vary.

Another critical advantage of having a medical cannabis card in South Dakota is the employment protection it provides. While employers can prohibit marijuana use at work and discipline employees under the influence, they cannot discriminate against you solely based on your status as a medical cannabis cardholder. This includes protection from adverse employment actions due to the presence of THC metabolites in drug tests, as these results don't necessarily prove active impairment. That said, working under the influence or using cannabis on the job can still lead to disciplinary action, so it’s important to follow workplace policies.