South Dakota medical marijuana cards grow 62% year over year

Patient enrollment surge in South Dakota's medical program reflects sustained demand, though regulatory and enforcement activity remains active.

FILE — harvest · My 420 Tours / CC BY-SA 4.0

South Dakota's medical marijuana patient base expanded 62% year over year as of mid-April, according to Dakota News Now. The growth marks continued adoption of the state's medical program since its launch. The surge comes as South Dakota has modernized administration—the state began issuing digital medical marijuana cards in February—while lawmakers have largely resisted efforts to dismantle the program.

Parallel reporting suggests the market remains contested. Cannabis Newz coverage documents multiple large interdictions on Interstate 90 and a substantial residential seizure in Meade County, indicating ongoing trafficking alongside licensed activity. Separately, Brandon is weighing reductions to cultivator licensing fees, suggesting potential friction over operational costs.

The enrollment growth and regulatory stability contrast with lingering enforcement pressure. Watch whether the fee reduction in Brandon accelerates licensed cultivation and supply, or whether supply-side barriers continue to coexist with growing patient numbers.