South Dakota Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws

This guide outlines South Dakota’s current hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws for educational purposes only—not legal advice.

South Dakota hemp laws: quick overview

South Dakota defines “industrial hemp” as Cannabis sativa L. and any part thereof with total Δ9‑THC concentration not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, per SDCL 38‑35‑1 and the USDA‑approved state plan (effective per state plan) ([danr.sd.gov](https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/IndustrialHemp/docs/SD%20State%20Hemp%20Plan_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai)). The sale or use of industrial hemp for smoking or inhaling is prohibited under SDCL 38‑35‑21 (Class 1 misdemeanor), effective March 27, 2020 ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35?utm_source=openai)). In 2024, the Legislature enacted SDCL 34‑20B‑118 (SL 2024, ch 129, § 2), banning chemical conversion of CBD into Δ8, Δ9, Δ10, THC‑O, HHC, or other THC isomers or derivatives, and prohibiting sale or distribution of such chemically derived cannabinoids (Class 2 misdemeanor) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)). SDCL 34‑20B‑117 (SL 2022, ch 111; amended SL 2026, ch 151) makes it unlawful to sell or distribute products containing Δ8, Δ9‑THCA, THC‑O, or HHC to persons under 21 (Class 1 misdemeanor) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp or hemp products must be accompanied by proper documentation: grower or processor license, DEA‑registered lab report confirming compliance, signed affirmation, and manifest per SDCL 38‑35‑17 (effective March 25, 2021; updated Jan 1, 2027) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35?utm_source=openai)). Transporters consent to warrantless inspection and sampling by law enforcement (SDCL 38‑35‑16) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

Pre‑harvest inspection and sampling by DANR or DPS required within 30 days before harvest; grower must be present, and hemp cannot leave control until lab confirms compliance (SDCL 38‑35‑9; ARSD 12:82:06:03) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35?utm_source=openai)). Testing must determine total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight per SDCL 38‑35‑11(9) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35?utm_source=openai)). COA retention not specified in statute.

What to buy

Only hemp products with naturally occurring cannabinoids (e.g., CBD) and total Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight are legal. Licensed growers/processors may sell compliant hemp products (non‑smokable).

What to avoid

Avoid smokable or inhalable hemp products (banned under SDCL 38‑35‑21), and any products containing Δ8, Δ10, THC‑O, HHC, THCP, or other chemically derived cannabinoids (banned under SDCL 34‑20B‑118).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Δ9‑THC (total) must not exceed 0.3% dry weight per SDCL 38‑35‑1 and USDA‑approved state plan.
• Smokable or inhalable hemp products are prohibited under SDCL 38‑35‑21.
• Chemical conversion of CBD into Δ8, Δ10, THC‑O, HHC, etc., is banned under SDCL 34‑20B‑118.
• Sale or distribution of chemically derived cannabinoids is illegal regardless of purchaser age (SDCL 34‑20B‑118).
• Selling Δ8, THCa, THC‑O, HHC to under‑21 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (SDCL 34‑20B‑117).
• Grower and processor licenses required via DANR; pre‑harvest inspection and lab testing mandatory.

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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