South Dakota qualifying conditions: the full official list
These are the conditions on the South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program's official list. Each links to what it means for South Dakota patients.
The official list
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) — listed as “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)”
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome — listed as “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome”
- Cancer — listed as “Cancer or its treatment, if associated with severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting”
- Chronic pain — listed as “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome”
- Crohn's & IBD — listed as “Crohn's disease”
- Epilepsy & seizures — listed as “Seizures”
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss — listed as “Severe nausea (except nausea associated with pregnancy)”
- PTSD — listed as “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)”
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity — listed as “Severe and persistent muscle spasms”
Always confirm against the official South Dakota list, which can change.
What to do next
- Confirm you have a debilitating medical condition listed in SDCL 34-20G-1.
- Visit a physician, PA or APRN for an in-person exam and get a written certification.
- Apply online at the Department of Health medical cannabis portal within 90 days of the certification date.
- Upload a copy of your unexpired photo ID and a 2x2 passport-style photo, and name up to two dispensaries and any caregiver.
- Pay $75, or $20 if your household income is under 130% of the federal poverty level, plus $20 if you want to grow at home.
- Wait for review, usually 2 to 4 days, then about 4 to 10 days for the card to arrive by mail.
Sources
- Medical Cannabis Program - South Dakota Department of Health
- Patients, Caregivers & Practitioners - South Dakota Department of Health
- SDCL 34-20G-1 Definitions
- SDCL 34-20G-29 Registry card application and fee waiver
- SDCL 34-20G-43 Expiration of registry identification card
- SDCL 34-20G-5.1 Certification not authorized
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.