Though medical marijuana has officially been legal in South Dakota since July 1, 2021, access through the state program may be a challenge.

As of March 29, 2022, the Department of Health (DOH) reports that only 90 South Dakota doctors have been approved to prescribe medical marijuana to their patients.

According to state rules, a physician is needed to begin the process of a medical card application. A prospective patient must schedule an appointment with a physician who is licensed to prescribe medication. According to state law, you will need an in-person visit with a physician with whom you have a ‘bona fide practitioner-patient relationship.’

As of March 29, there are 306 approved patient card applications, 21 pending applications and zero have been denied, according to DOH data.

Along with the 90 approved physician accounts, there are currently 3 pending and 45 have been denied. DOH content developer and web strategist Jennifer Baker noted that denied applications for physician accounts are typically patients inadvertently applying through the physician portal. [Read more at Keloland]