South Dakota Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide provides an educational overview of South Dakota’s hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of November 1, 2026. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

South Dakota hemp laws: quick overview

South Dakota defines “industrial hemp” as Cannabis sativa L. and any part thereof with a total delta‑9 THC concentration not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis (SDCL 38‑35‑1, effective Mar 27 2020; amended through 2024) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/38-35-1.html?utm_source=openai)). The state’s Industrial Hemp Program, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), requires licensing for growers and processors under ARSD 12:82, with background checks, application fees, and inspection protocols ([danr.sd.gov](https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/IndustrialHemp/default.aspx?utm_source=openai)). Transporters must carry documentation and consent to inspection; transporting non‑compliant hemp is a Class 2 misdemeanor (SDCL 38‑35‑16, eff. Mar 18 2022) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35-16?utm_source=openai)). The Department of Health was originally tasked with establishing testing and labeling rules (SDCL 38‑35‑12), but that provision is repealed effective Jan 1 2027 ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35-12?utm_source=openai)). The Attorney General clarified that chemically derived cannabinoids—including delta‑8, delta‑10, THC‑O, HHC, and THCP—are excluded from the definition of industrial hemp and their sale or distribution is illegal (SDCL 38‑35‑1; SDCL 34‑20B‑118; SDCL 34‑20B‑117) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/38-35-1.html?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp require proper licensing documentation; transporters must carry documentation demonstrating compliance with a federal, state, or tribal hemp program. Law enforcement may inspect and sample shipments (up to eight ounces) for delta‑9 THC compliance. No special age verification is required for hemp products, but chemically derived cannabinoids are banned outright.

Testing & COA guidance

Testing must confirm delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight. DANR conducts pre‑harvest sampling and inspections; non‑compliant lots must be remediated or destroyed under USDA/DANR oversight. While the Department of Health was to set testing procedures and labeling rules, that authority is repealed effective Jan 1 2027 (SDCL 38‑35‑12) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35-12?utm_source=openai)). ISO/17025 accreditation and COA retention are not specified in statute.

What to buy

Products derived from hemp with naturally occurring cannabinoids (e.g., CBD) and delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight are permitted, provided they are not chemically modified or converted.

What to avoid

Avoid any products containing chemically derived cannabinoids such as delta‑8 THC, delta‑10 THC, THC‑O, HHC, THCP, or any converted forms of CBD—these are explicitly excluded and illegal under SDCL 38‑35‑1 and SDCL 34‑20B‑118 ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/38-35-1.html?utm_source=openai)). Smokable hemp flower is not separately banned unless it contains banned cannabinoids.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC in hemp must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (SDCL 38‑35‑1)
• Chemically derived cannabinoids (Δ8, Δ10, HHC, THC‑O, THCP) are excluded and banned (SDCL 38‑35‑1; 34‑20B‑118)
• Growers and processors must be licensed by DANR under ARSD 12:82
• Transporters must carry documentation; transporting non‑compliant hemp is a Class 2 misdemeanor (SDCL 38‑35‑16)
• Department of Health must establish testing and labeling rules (though repealed effective Jan 1 2027) (SDCL 38‑35‑12)
• Products with Δ8, Δ10, HHC, THC‑O are illegal regardless of age (SDCL 34‑20B‑118)

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

FAQ