South Dakota Cannabis

South Dakota Cannabis License: Key Insights on Medical and Recreational Legalization Vote 2020

By /

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

The upcoming vote on November 3, 2020, may open the door for a South Dakota Cannabis License. This historic event marks the first time a state will simultaneously vote on both medical and adult-use cannabis legalization. By doing so, South Dakota is positioning itself as a progressive leader in marijuana reform.

What’s on the Ballot?

South Dakota voters will decide on two measures: Amendment A and Measure 26. Each requires a majority vote to pass.

  • Amendment A: This amendment to the South Dakota Constitution would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adult use. It allows adults aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and, under specific conditions, grow marijuana plants at home. Additionally, it grants the State Department of Revenue authority to issue licenses for cannabis businesses, including cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers. Local governments may regulate or ban such establishments within their jurisdictions.

  • Measure 26: This initiative establishes a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients, including minors. The measure takes a less restrictive approach, defining qualifying conditions broadly to ensure patients in need have access to medical cannabis. Patients could possess up to three ounces of marijuana or the amount prescribed by a physician. Non-resident medical patients with valid registration cards could also purchase cannabis in South Dakota.

Key Features of Amendment A

If passed, Amendment A would bring several changes to South Dakota:

  • Legalization of possession, use, transport, and distribution of marijuana for adults 21 and older.

  • Home cultivation of marijuana plants under certain conditions.

  • State-regulated licensing for cannabis businesses.

  • Revenue generation through application fees, licensing fees, and a 15% excise tax.

Revenue collected would fund the program’s implementation. Any surplus would be split between public schools and the state general fund. By 2023, projected tax revenues could reach nearly $20 million annually.

What Does Measure 26 Offer?

Measure 26 focuses on medical cannabis accessibility. Key provisions include:

  • Broad definitions of debilitating medical conditions to cover a wide range of patient needs.

  • Allowing home cultivation of cannabis plants for registered patients.

  • Enabling non-resident medical marijuana patients to access South Dakota dispensaries.

This inclusive approach ensures that all patients who could benefit from medical cannabis have safe and legal access.

A Unique Opportunity for Cannabis Entrepreneurs

Most states have introduced medical cannabis programs before expanding to adult-use legalization. South Dakota’s simultaneous approach could create immediate opportunities for cannabis business entrepreneurs. If Amendment A passes, the state will issue licenses to qualified applicants, paving the way for a thriving cannabis industry. This new sector will bring essential jobs and exciting career opportunities to the state.

The Economic Impact

The financial benefits of legalization are significant. Initial projections suggest the state could generate over $355,000 in net revenue in 2021. By 2023, this figure is expected to approach $20 million. These funds will support schools and the state’s general fund, providing a much-needed economic boost.

Take the Next Step

The passage of Amendment A or Measure 26 will lay the foundation for a booming industry in South Dakota. If you’re interested in applying for a South Dakota Cannabis License, contact us today to learn more.

Additional Resources

Consulting Services For Cannabis, Hemp, Psilocybin, and Natural Medicine

Testimonials and Public Relations

Latest Articles

  • Dart hitting bullseye on a dart board, symbolizing precision in Cannabis Branding, innovative Cannabis Marketing Strategy, effective Cannabis Digital Strategies, and targeted Cannabis Consumer Education.
    Cannabis Branding and Marketing: Building a Strong Cannabis Brand for Success
    Effective Cannabis Branding is the key to distinguishing your business in a crowded market. With a compelling name, striking logo, innovative packaging, and persuasive messaging, your brand can captivate consumers and build lasting loyalty. Moreover, integrating a robust Cannabis Marketing Strategy that incorporates digital strategies, social media, influencer partnerships, and community engagement is essential to educate consumers on your products and their benefits.
  • Close-up of a cannabis flower under indoor grow lights representing Cannabis Product Strategy, Cannabis Market Demand, Cannabis Unique Value Proposition, cannabis competition Analysis, and Cannabis Consulting.
    Cannabis Product Strategy: Choosing Products and Services for a Unique Value Proposition
    Developing a winning cannabis product strategy is one of the most crucial steps in launching or expanding a cannabis business requiring a deep understanding of market demand, competition analysis, and effective differentiation. This article explains how to develop a robust cannabis product strategy that creates a unique value proposition for your business, leveraging market demand insights, competitive analysis, and smart product differentiation.
  • A cannabis company representative demonstrates various cannabis products to a dispensary owner inside a retail store, highlighting different Cannabis Distribution Channels including Retail Cannabis Sales, Online Cannabis Sales, and Cannabis Dispensary Partnerships.
    Cannabis Distribution Channels: Choosing the Best Sales Strategy For Your Business
    A successful cannabis business must carefully select its Cannabis Distribution Channels to maximize market reach and profitability. These channels determine how your product reaches consumers and include various strategies such as retail storefronts, dispensary partnerships, and online sales. Transitioning smoothly between these options requires understanding each channel’s nuances and aligning them with your business goals.
  • Closeup of a keyboard with four red blocks of varying heights symbolizing cannabis Risk Management, Cannabis Compliance, cannabis Inventory Tracking, and Cannabis Business Tax Compliance, with insights from a Cannabis Consultant.
    Cannabis Risk Management & Compliance for Business Success
    Cannabis Compliance refers to the processes, protocols, and measures a cannabis business implements to meet state, local, and federal regulations. This includes ensuring proper inventory tracking, maintaining accurate records, managing cannabis business taxes, and deploying comprehensive security measures. In the context of cannabis, regulatory compliance is not just about avoiding legal penalties—it is about building trust with consumers, partners, and regulators.
  • Interior of a retail cannabis dispensary showcasing modern design and efficient cannabis retail operations, reflecting a strong cannabis business strategy, seamless cannabis licensing compliance, and guidance from a dedicated cannabis consultant.
    How to Open a Retail Cannabis Dispensary: A Comprehensive Guide
    A Retail Cannabis Dispensary is a licensed establishment that sells cannabis products to consumers for recreational or medicinal use. These establishments vary from small boutique stores to large-scale operations with multiple locations. A retail cannabis dispensary must navigate complex regulatory environments, adhere to strict quality control measures, and build strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
  • Close-up of a vibrant cannabis flower, representing excellence in Cannabis Supply Chain Management, supported by Reliable Cannabis Suppliers, advanced Cannabis Inventory Management Systems, and expert Cannabis Consulting.
    Cannabis Supply Chain Management: Ensuring Quality, Reliability, and Efficiency
    Effective Cannabis Supply Chain Management is crucial for maintaining product quality, managing inventory, and meeting customer demand. As regulations tighten and consumer expectations rise, partnering with reliable suppliers and implementing robust inventory management systems can make the difference between success and stagnation.

Explore Our Articles

Business Funding Business Strategy Cannabis cannabis applications Cannabis Banking Cannabis Business Optmization Cannabis Business Services cannabis careers Cannabis Compliance Cannabis Consumption Cannabis Inventory Management Systems Cannabis Investors cannabis jobs Cannabis Legalization cannabis licensing cannabis marketing Cannabis Operational Procedures cannabis outreach Cannabis Regulations Cannabis Software Cannabis Startup Cannabis Supply Chain Cannabis Technology Colorado controlled environment agriculture Cultivation cultivation facility Dispensary Design facility design Financial Planning Legal Update Legislation Medical Cannabis Minnesota Natural Medicine Nebraska New York North Carolina Odor Control Oregon Psilocybin Psychedelics Recreational Cannabis Texas Wisconsin

Recent posts

Scroll to Top