South Dakota Marijuana Laws

As of July 2021, cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical use. Adults may possess up to one ounce of cannabis with no more than eight grams in concentrated form.

LAW BREAKDOWN

LAW BREAKDOWNS

Marijuana is illegal in South Dakota for any uses, including medical and recreational. The drug has not been decriminalized at the state level, so possession or sale of any amount is a crime, as is any offense involving cannabis concentrates or paraphernalia.

Possession

It is a misdemeanor in South Dakota to possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Possession of up to 2 ounces is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines.

Possession of larger amounts is a felony. If the amount is between 2 ounces and half a pound, the maximum penalty is 1 year in jail and $4,000 in fines. If the amount is between half a pound and 1 pound, the top punishment is 5 years in prison and $10,000.

For weights between 1 and 10 pounds, the maximum is 10 years in prison and $20,000. Finally, possession of more than 10 pounds carries a top sentence of 15 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.

Offense Penalty Incarceration Max. Fine
1 oz or less* No penalty None $ 0
2 oz or less Misdemeanor 1 year $ 2,000
2 oz – 1/2 lb Felony 1 year $ 4,000
1/2 – 1 lb Felony 5 years $ 10,000
1 – 10 lbs Felony 10 years $ 20,000
More than 10 lbs Felony 15 years $ 30,000
* Law takes effect July 21, 2021.

Scroll to see the rest of the table.

Sale

Sale of small amounts of cannabis, less than half an ounce, is a misdemeanor and comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 days in jail, a maximum of 1 year, and up to $2,000 in fines. All other cannabis sale is treated as a felony.

For weights between half an ounce and 1 ounce, the maximum penalty is 2 years in prison and $4,000 in fines. If the amount is between 1 ounce and half a pound, a maximum of 5 years in prison applies, along with a potential fine of $10,000.

Sale of between half a pound and 1 pound is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000. If the weight is greater than 1 pound, the top sentence increases to 15 years in prison and $30,000.

Sale of any amount of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school or within 500 feet of another designated drug-free area carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, plus up to $10,000 in fines. Sale of any amount to a minor is a felony and carries additional penalties.

Offense Penalty Incarceration Max. Fine
Less than 1/2 oz Misdemeanor 15 days* – 1 year $ 2,000
1/2 – 1 oz Felony 2 years $ 4,000
1 oz – 1/2 lb Felony 5 years $ 10,000
1/2 – 1 lb Felony 10 years $ 20,000
More than 1 lb Felony 15 years $ 30,000
Within 1000 ft of a school or 500 ft of other designated areas N/A 5 years* $ 10,000
To a minor is a felony that carries additional incarceration and fine.
* Mandatory minimum sentence

Scroll to see the rest of the table.

Concentrates

Special rules and penalties apply to the possession and sale of hashish, hash oil, and other marijuana concentrates. Possession of any amount of concentrate is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

It is likewise a felony to manufacture, distribute, or dispense concentrates. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and $20,000. Greater penalties apply for subsequent convictions under concentrates laws.

Offense Penalty Incarceration Max. Fine
Possession Felony 10 years $ 20,000
Manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing Felony 10 years $ 20,000
Subsequent offenses carry greater penalties

Scroll to see the rest of the table.

Paraphernalia

All drug paraphernalia is criminal in South Dakota unless intended, marketed, and used solely for legal purposes. Possession is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a top fine of $500.

Offense Penalty Incarceration Max. Fine
Possession of paraphernalia Misdemeanor 30 days $ 500

Scroll to see the rest of the table.

Miscellaneous

South Dakota has a law which prohibits inhabiting a room in which marijuana is stored or used. The offense is a misdemeanor and the maximum penalty is one year in jail and $2,000 in fines.

Offense Penalty Incarceration Max. Fine
Inhabiting a room where marijuana is being used or stored Misdemeanor 1 year $ 2,000

Scroll to see the rest of the table.

Medical Marijuana

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Medical marijuana is not currently legal in South Dakota but will become legal on July 1, 2021 due to Measure 26 being passed.

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS:
N/A

PATIENT POSSESSION LIMITS:
N/A

HOME CULTIVATION:
N/A

STATE-LICENSED DISPENSARIES:
N/A

CAREGIVERS:
N/A

RECIPROCITY:
N/A

Marijuana Attorney Directory

South Dakota Marijuana Attorneys

The following South Dakota lawyers are actively involved in the practice of cannabis law:

Reserved for attorney contributors