South Dakota medical marijuana home cultivation licenses surge 1,072%

The number of medical marijuana patients licensed to grow cannabis at home in South Dakota has increased by 1,072% over the last four years, according to Whitney Brunner, administrator of the state’s medical cannabis program. During a meeting with the legislative Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee, Brunner reported that home cultivation licenses rose from 61 in fiscal year 2022 to 715 in fiscal year 2026.

Under current state law, patients can add a home cultivation license to their medical marijuana card for $20. They are permitted to grow a maximum of two flowering plants and two non-flowering plants. Requirements include submitting photos of the grow room and door lock, as well as a diagram of the location. Brunner noted that many submitted diagrams are hand-drawn and lack sufficient detail, stating, “The lack of regulation in this area is a bit concerning for us.”

While the department is considering tighter regulations, Brunner noted that further action involves legal and safety considerations that may require legislative discussion. The overall medical marijuana program has also expanded, reaching 19,375 cardholders by the end of June. Most cardholders are in their 30s and 40s, with over 70% citing severe debilitating pain as their primary reason for enrollment.