Medical Cannabis Dispensary Business License

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UPDATE: Two licensees have been approved by both the City and State. Both locations are operational at this time.

Under the authority granted by SDCL 34-20G-56, there shall be no more than two (2) active medical cannabis dispensaries that may be registered by the State of South Dakota to operate within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Yankton at any given time.

Application Process

Medical Cannabis business licensing requires both City and State approval, which is initiated at the local level by first obtaining a City of Yankton cannabis license certificate.

Research & Retrieve Application Packet	This includes City Ordinance No. 1052 and South Dakota State Law on licensing regulations for a medical cannabis dispensary business. A complete application packet is available online under forms below or for pick up at City Hall, Finance Office, 416 Walnut St.
Applicant submits a complete application	Must include all required documents on the Application Checklist and application fee to the Finance Office. First round of applications are due by September 10, 2021.
Background Check	City of Yankton applicants including all owners and existing/proposed employees are required to undergo a comprehensive background check.
Preliminary Plan Inspection	To ensure all business plan, site plan & security measures comply with the ordinance.
Application Packet Meeting	By appointment only, applicant may review application and documents with Finance, Community Development, and Police to confirm whether the application is complete. If all requirements are met, the fully complete application packet will be consigned to the City Manager for final review.
City Manager Review	Within 30 days after the submission of a fully complete application, the City Manager or City Manager’s designee shall issue a written decision approving or denying the application for licensure. This decision will be sent via first class mail and via certified mail to the applicant. Upon approval, application information will be sent to the South Dakota Department of Health along with a copy of the City-issued provisional license and the City's certification.
Complete required State forms	Visit SD Application Forms for more information. State applications are now available.
State Review	Per SDCL 34-20G-55, no later than ninety days after receiving an application for a medical cannabis establishment, the department shall register the prospective medical cannabis establishment and issue a registration certificate and a random ten-digit alphanumeric identification number if all listed conditions are satisfied and the State awards the applicant one of the two Medical Cannabis Dispensary registrations available for the City of Yankton.
Certificate of Occupancy	Upon State and City license approval, the licensee shall not begin operation or open its doors to the public until it receives from the City a certificate of occupancy.
	Building Permits & Inspection. Zoning related, plat approvals, or building or construction-related permits may be required based on Yankton Code of Municipal Ordinances or South Dakota law. Permit fees are not included in the application or annual fee. All build-out must be inspected by City staff with compliance with the applicable building permit, all representations made within the approved license application and supporting submissions, and applicable building codes.
	Pay annual fee. The City shall not issue a certificate of occupancy until the licensee provides written evidence that the licensee has paid the Annual License Fee under Sec. 13-143, and all registration application fees due to the state in connection with the South Dakota Department of Health’s review of the application. Articles of Incorporation and dba may also be required.