South Dakota Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on South Dakota hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

South Dakota hemp laws: quick overview

South Dakota’s industrial hemp program was established by HB 1008 (2020), codified at S.D. Codified Laws Chapter 38‑35, defining hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% on a dry weight basis and requiring licensing for cultivation and processing, effective July 1, 2020 ([chow420.com](https://chow420.com/hempstatelaws/south-dakota?utm_source=openai)). The law also prohibits smokable or inhalable hemp products under SDCL § 38‑35‑21 ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-38/chapter-35/?utm_source=openai)). Non‑compliant hemp lots exceeding THC limits must be remediated or destroyed per SDCL § 38‑35‑14 and ARSD 12:82 rules on disposal and remediation ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-38/chapter-35/?utm_source=openai)). In 2024, S.L. 2024, ch 129 § 34‑20B‑118 (HB 1125) made it a Class 2 misdemeanor to chemically modify or convert hemp into Δ8, Δ9, Δ10, or any other THC isomer, analog, or derivative, and to sell or distribute such products ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-34/chapter-20b/section-34-20b-118/?utm_source=openai)). In March 2026, SB 39 further restricted hemp‑derived intoxicating cannabinoids (Δ8, Δ10, THC‑O, HHC, THCP) and repealed the state’s industrial hemp licensing program, shifting licensing to the USDA Domestic Hemp Production Program ([cannabissouthdakota.org](https://cannabissouthdakota.org/hemp/sb-39-2026?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp products are allowed if they comply with SD law: total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% and not chemically derived cannabinoids. Age verification not specified. Retailer registration/licensing was required under state program until SB 39 (2026) repealed it; now operators must follow USDA federal licensing pathways ([cannabissouthdakota.org](https://cannabissouthdakota.org/hemp/sb-39-2026?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

State law requires testing of hemp lots for total Δ9‑THC; non‑compliant lots must be remediated or destroyed per SDCL § 38‑35‑14 and ARSD 12:82 disposal rules ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-38/chapter-35/?utm_source=openai)). ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is not explicitly required in statute; COA retention requirements are not specified in available sources ([chow420.com](https://chow420.com/hempstatelaws/south-dakota?utm_source=openai)).

What to buy

Hemp‑derived products with total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight, including topicals, edibles, tinctures, oils, beverages, and non‑smokable flower, under compliant licensing or USDA pathways ([chow420.com](https://chow420.com/hempstatelaws/south-dakota?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Chemically derived cannabinoids such as Δ8‑THC, Δ10‑THC, HHC, THC‑O, THCP are excluded from industrial hemp products and their sale or distribution is prohibited ([cannabissouthdakota.org](https://cannabissouthdakota.org/hemp/sb-39-2026?utm_source=openai)). Smokable or inhalable hemp products are banned ([southdakotastatecannabis.org](https://southdakotastatecannabis.org/hemp?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Hemp defined as Cannabis sativa L. with total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight (HB 1008, 2020)
• Sale or distribution of chemically derived cannabinoids (Δ8, Δ10, HHC, THC‑O, THCP) is prohibited (S.L. 2024, ch 129 § 34‑20B‑118)
• Smokable or inhalable hemp products are banned (SDCL § 38‑35‑21)
• Cultivation and processing require state license under Chapter 38‑35 (HB 1008, 2020)
• Non‑compliant lots must be remediated or destroyed (SDCL § 38‑35‑14; ARSD 12:82 disposal rules)
• SB 39 (2026) repealed state hemp licensing—USDA federal licensing now required

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

FAQ