5 Star Google Verified Reviews (1,190+)
Despite positive strides to becoming the 25th state to legalize adult-use cannabis, South Dakota residents turn down Initiated Measure 29. In the morning after the election, results showed 56.4% of voters opposed Initiated Measure 29, which would have legalized the possession, distribution, and use of recreational marijuana for people ages 21 and older. So what happens next? Well, it’s important to know a bit about the history of South Dakota and the road to legalization. Did you know that this wasn’t the first time recreational cannabis was on the ballot? In 2020, state voters originally approved the legalization of marijuana through Constitutional Amendment A, but a court later overturned it on constitutional grounds. With recreational cannabis put to a halt, South Dakota residents found hope when Medical marijuana became legalized in July 2021 with the passage of South Dakota Initiated Measure 26, despite attempts to delay implementation until January 2022. There are many benefits to obtaining or keeping your medical marijuana card, even in recreational markets, despite the measure not passing.
South Dakota Recreational Measure Doesn’t Pass! What does it mean? What Happens Next?
What does it mean?
This November, South Dakota residents have shot down adult-use cannabis for non-medicinal purposes. Initiated Measure 29 would have allowed individuals 21 and older to grow, possess, ingest, and distribute up to 2 ounces of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia. This is currently a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. Initiated Measure 29 would have also allowed South Dakota residents the opportunity to grow their own, allowing possession of up to 6 cannabis plants, with no more than 12 per household. IM29 would have also decriminalized the possession of edibles and concentrates, which is currently a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Having a South Dakota medical marijuana card is now more important than ever, and My Marijuana Card can help you navigate the process.
What Happens Next: Timeline for Legalization
Why Having a Medical Marijuana Card Still Matters
The perks of having your medical card are worth the paperwork. Not only can it save you money, but it can increase and improve your access to different products and consumption methods. At this time, obtaining your medical marijuana card in South Dakota is the quickest option to getting access to clean, quality, cannabis, whether you are planning to consume it for recreational purposes or planning to help treat a medical condition.
Cost Savings and Tax Benefits
Like many other states, South Dakota’s recreational marijuana program will include a specific tax structure that could be quite significant. States typically impose various types of taxes on cannabis, which may include percentage-of-price taxes (also known as ad valorem tax), weight-based taxes, potency-based taxes, and/or excise taxes, although most often these are percentage-of-price taxes. Across the country, the rates for recreational cannabis taxes range from 7% to nearly 40%. However, medical marijuana card holders are exempt from these taxes. This means that if you hold a South Dakota medical marijuana card, you will pay less in taxes at checkout compared to those who do not have a medical card once a recreational market is established.
Medical marijuana dispensaries in South Dakota provide a diverse selection of strains, each tailored to treat specific medical conditions and symptoms. As a cardholder, you can access these targeted strains, which can significantly impact your treatment results and overall cannabis usage positively. For example, some strains are particularly effective for pain relief, while others may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, or reduce muscle spasms.
In contrast, the black market often provides a limited and inconsistent selection of these types of “targeted” products. Think back to the days when your only option was the black market; most don’t remember key factors about the cannabis purchased from a dealer. Factors such as the strain, major and minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC percentages are important details to note when treating a qualifying condition with medical marijuana. Black market sellers may lack the knowledge or resources to offer the most suitable strains for your medical needs, resulting in poor or ineffective treatment options. By obtaining a SD medical marijuana card, you gain access to a broader range of high-quality products, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment for you.
Legal Protections and Possession Limits
Holding a South Dakota medical marijuana card grants you legal protection. When the medical marijuana program was established in 2021, it granted patients and caregivers the ability to purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis or equivalent amounts of related products like edibles, vapes, etc., every 14 days for medical purposes. This sense of security allows you to focus on your health without the concern of legal issues.
