South Dakota’s medical cannabis industry continues to grow, and Dakota Green Dispensary has emerged as one of the state’s most respected names by staying grounded in quality, sustainability, and patient-first values. Founded by local medical cardholders, Dakota Green was built with a clear purpose: to provide clean, consistent medical cannabis while remaining deeply connected to the community it serves.
Every part of the operation — from cultivation to manufacturing to the dispensary floor — reflects that mission.
Cultivation Rooted in Sustainability and Science
Much of Dakota Green’s reputation begins at its Terp Ranch, where medical cannabis is grown using sun-grown methods in living organic soil. The outdoor cultivation program is operated by Brandon “Mango” Manger, whose years of experience in organic growing shape the foundation of the ranch.
“We pride ourselves on sustainability,” Manger said. “Nothing is wasted or thrown away on the Terp Ranch. We don’t use one-time-use products — everything has a purpose, all the way down to our biomass being composted and turned into vegetable and herb gardens.”
Manger emphasized that using nature itself as a partner in cultivation leads to better outcomes for patients.
“We utilize nature to help our plants reach their optimal and natural expression of cannabinoids and terpene profiles,” he said. “Indoor lighting will never compare to the power of the sun.”
Co-founder Nevada Ellison said that philosophy aligns directly with Dakota Green’s focus on patient care.
“At the end of the day, this is medicine for many people,” Ellison said. “When we can produce it organically and use the sun as the energy input, we truly believe it’s better for the patient.”
Manger also likened sungrown cannabis to fine wine, where environment plays a defining role.
“Terroir is a common term in the wine industry, and sungrown cannabis is no different,” he explained. “Your climate, weather patterns, soil, and topography all influence the end product. Every year is different — and that variability adds complexity to the flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpene profiles.”
In addition to outdoor cultivation, Dakota Green operates a highly controlled indoor grow focused on premium flower.
“Our indoor facility matches many hospitals in cleanliness,” Ellison said. “Nate Jensen and I oversee operations, and we’ve consistently put out top-shelf flower that’s in very high demand across the state.”
Innovation Through Intentional Partnerships
Dakota Green’s commitment to quality extends beyond flower. Early in the company’s development, Ellison and Jake Johnson made the decision to partner closely with Crushmore to maintain control over product quality.
“We wanted control of the quality of the manufactured goods,” Ellison said. “The only way to do that was to start a sister company and bring in some of the best people in the industry.”
That led to collaboration with Tyler Koehne and Katie Larsen, whose reputation for clean, terpene-rich products helped shape Crushmore’s approach.
“We aren’t heavily funded like some larger companies, so it took us a little longer to get moving,” Ellison said. “But now we’re proud to be in most dispensaries across the state — and proud to be one of the only companies making products from organically grown flower.”
Manger echoed that sentiment, emphasizing trust and respect throughout the process.
“I’m honored to work with Crushmore post-harvest,” he said. “I know our plants and our hard work are respected after they leave the farm. Cannabis is a sacrament, and I know they believe that too.”
Among their most notable innovations is Crushmore’s time-release capsule, a first-of-its-kind medical cannabis product in South Dakota designed to provide consistent, long-lasting relief for patients.
A Dispensary Built for Patients — and the Community
Dakota Green recently opened its medical cannabis dispensary in Box Elder, offering one of the largest patient-focused retail spaces in the region. Ellison says the goal is to make patients feel welcomed, heard, and respected.
“When you walk into our dispensary, it should feel like you’re stepping into home,” Manger said. “It should never feel like a used car dealership where you’re being pushed into a sale. Education and listening to each patient’s story always lead to better outcomes.”
Ellison added that the company’s roots in music and creativity play a major role in shaping the dispensary experience.
“Much like the music industry, you get out what you put in,” Ellison said. “Music — like cannabis — can be a crucial part of a person’s healing process. This company was built by the people and for the people, not by corporate interests chasing profits.”
That creative energy is felt throughout the space, where music is always playing and local band merchandise is proudly displayed.
The Dakota Green Promise
From sun-grown, organic cultivation to innovative medical products and a dispensary rooted in compassion, Dakota Green Dispensary represents a uniquely local approach to medical cannabis.
For patients seeking purity, transparency, and genuine care, Dakota Green offers more than medicine — it offers a philosophy of healing, made right here in the Black Hills.
