Getting a South Dakota medical marijuana card starts with an evaluation from an authorized medical provider like Rapid Referrals. If you have a qualifying medical condition, we can complete your in-person evaluation and help you work through the state application process at our Rapid City clinic.
We know the process can feel confusing when you’re applying for the first time. Below, you’ll find what you need to bring, current fees, qualifying conditions, application steps, and answers to common questions about getting your South Dakota medical card.
Before applying for an SD medical marijuana card, you’ll need to receive medical certification from an authorized practitioner. The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program requires patients to complete both the medical certification and state application portions of the process.
Additional requirements apply to minors, designated caregivers, patients requesting home cultivation, and applicants requesting the low-income fee.
Rapid Referrals can help you understand which requirements apply to your application.
Start by scheduling an appointment at Rapid Referrals in Rapid City. South Dakota requires a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification, so this isn’t a process that can be completed entirely online.
At your appointment, your provider will review your medical history and discuss your condition with you.
Medical records are appreciated but are not required for your first appointment at Rapid Referrals. You’ll complete a medical intake form when you arrive. Physician referrals are also appreciated but not required.
If your provider determines that you have a qualifying debilitating medical condition, they can certify you through the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.
New patients then receive an email with access to the state’s online application.
Next, you’ll complete your portion of the application through the state registry.
Rapid Referrals provides technical assistance with this step during your appointment. We’ll help you work through the online application so you aren’t left trying to navigate the registry on your own after your evaluation.
You’ll upload the required identification and photo, provide the requested information, and pay your state fee online.
Submitting your application doesn’t immediately activate your SD medical card. The South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program must review and approve it.
Once your application is approved, the state prints and mails your physical card. You can begin purchasing medical cannabis from certified South Dakota dispensaries after you receive your valid card.
Having the right information with you can help you complete your medical evaluation and application during the same visit.
Medical records are appreciated, but Rapid Referrals does not require them for your first visit.
Applying with a caregiver or for a minor?
If you’re applying with a designated caregiver or you’re the parent or legal guardian of a minor patient, additional information and documentation may be necessary.
Please contact us if you are applying for a minor card.
Please bring:
There are two separate costs to consider when getting a medical card in South Dakota: the fee for your medical evaluation and certification and the application fee charged by the state.
We do not bill Medicare or other medical insurance. Payment for professional services is due at the time of your certification.
Veterans, seniors, and low-income applicants receive 10% off their medical certification or renewal. Proof of veteran status may be requested.
The state currently charges:
The state fee is separate from the fee you pay Rapid Referrals for your medical evaluation and certification.
A provider must determine that you have a qualifying debilitating medical condition before you can receive medical cannabis certification.
Qualifying conditions and symptoms recognized under South Dakota’s medical cannabis program include:
Eligibility ultimately depends on your individual medical circumstances and the determination of an authorized medical provider. Having a diagnosis doesn’t guarantee certification.
Not sure whether your condition qualifies? You can schedule an evaluation with Rapid Referrals to discuss your medical history with a provider.
South Dakota offers a reduced application fee for patients who meet the state’s definition of low income. Qualifying applicants can currently pay $20 instead of the standard $75 state card fee.
The state defines low income based on gross monthly household income in relation to the federal poverty level. You’ll need to provide documentation of household income when requesting the discount.
The low-income discount applies to the state card fee, not Rapid Referrals’ medical evaluation fee.
Depending on your circumstances, documentation may include items such as:
Bring your documentation to your Rapid Referrals appointment if you plan to request low-income status so we can help you include the appropriate information with your application.
Preparing before your appointment can make your visit easier. Forms and state resources are available below for patients who want to review them ahead of time.
Complete your patient medical history before or at your appointment:
Review the state’s process for medical cannabis patients:
See instructions for completing your state application:
Review additional requirements if you’re applying with a designated caregiver:
Returning patients can review current guidance for renewing their certification and card:
Start with an in-person evaluation from an authorized medical provider. If the provider determines that you have a qualifying debilitating medical condition, they can certify you through the state registry. You’ll then complete the South Dakota medical card application, submit the required documentation and fee, and wait for state approval.
Yes. South Dakota has a regulated medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. You must meet the program requirements and receive a valid registry identification card before purchasing medical cannabis as a registered patient from a certified South Dakota dispensary.
Not necessarily. Rapid Referrals appreciates medical records and physician referrals when they’re available, but neither is required for your first visit. You’ll complete a medical intake form and discuss your medical history with the provider during your in-person evaluation.
No. Rapid Referrals performs medical cannabis certification evaluations in person at our Rapid City clinic. You’ll meet directly with a medical provider to discuss your health history and eligibility.
The state currently charges $75 for a standard medical cannabis card. Qualifying low-income applicants can request a reduced $20 fee. This is separate from the cost of your medical evaluation and certification through Rapid Referrals. Additional state fees may apply for options such as home cultivation.
The South Dakota Office of Medical Cannabis typically reviews completed applications within 2–4 days. After approval, your physical card is mailed and generally takes another 4–10 days to arrive. Processing and mailing times can vary.
Yes. Your medical cannabis certification and registry card need to be renewed. You’ll need another appointment with a medical provider to renew your certification and then complete the state renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of completing your evaluation at Rapid Referrals is that you don’t have to navigate the online application by yourself. If you’re certified, our team provides technical support with your South Dakota medical card application during your appointment.
If you think you have a qualifying condition, schedule an appointment at Rapid Referrals in Rapid City. We’ll complete your in-person evaluation and, if you’re certified, help you work through the next steps required by the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program.
Bring your identification, email access, and payment information so you’re prepared to complete as much of the process as possible during your visit.
Medical cannabis is for qualifying patients only.
By appointment only
