South Dakota Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on South Dakota hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of October 8, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

South Dakota hemp laws: quick overview

South Dakota defines industrial hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with total delta‑9 THC not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis (SDCL 38‑35‑1; amended by SL 2026 ch 147; effective Feb 11 2026) ([mylrc.sdlegislature.gov](https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/296171.html?utm_source=openai)). The state prohibits chemical conversion of hemp-derived CBD into delta‑8, delta‑9, delta‑10 THC or any other THC isomer, analog, or derivative, and bans sale or distribution of such chemically derived cannabinoids (SDCL 34‑20B‑118; SL 2024 ch 129; effective Feb 14 2024) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)). Smoking or inhaling industrial hemp is prohibited and constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor (SDCL 38‑35‑21; SL 2020 ch 176; effective Mar 27 2020) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35-21?utm_source=openai)). Transporters of hemp must carry documentation and consent to warrantless inspection for THC compliance; transporting without documentation is a Class 2 misdemeanor (SDCL 38‑35‑16; SL 2022 ch 155; effective Mar 18 2022) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/38-35.html?all=true&utm_source=openai)). Additionally, selling or distributing products containing delta‑8 THC, delta‑9 THCA, THC‑O acetate, or HHC to persons under 21 is unlawful and penalized (SDCL 34‑20B‑117; SL 2026 ch 151; effective Feb 11 2026) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of industrial hemp are allowed only if accompanied by proper documentation under the state hemp program. Transporters must consent to inspection and carry documentation proving compliance with the 0.3% delta‑9 THC limit (SDCL 38‑35‑16) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/38-35.html?all=true&utm_source=openai)). No special age verification for hemp shipments, but products containing chemically derived cannabinoids cannot be sold to under‑21 (SDCL 34‑20B‑117) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)). Retailer license required from DANR to handle hemp (DANR Industrial Hemp Program) ([danr.sd.gov](https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/IndustrialHemp/default.aspx?utm_source=openai)).

Testing & COA guidance

All hemp lots must be sampled and tested for total delta‑9 THC (0.3% dry weight) by DANR‑approved procedures; sampling occurs within 30 days before harvest (DANR State Hemp Plan) ([danr.sd.gov](https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/IndustrialHemp/docs/SD%20State%20Hemp%20Plan_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Laboratories must follow USDA‑approved protocols; COA retention not specified in statute. No explicit ISO 17025 requirement found in state law; set to null.

What to buy

Products derived from industrial hemp with total delta‑9 THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight, non‑psychoactive cannabinoids (e.g., CBD) not chemically modified, and topical creams are permitted under SDCL 38‑35‑1 and SDCL 34‑20B‑118 ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid any products containing chemically derived cannabinoids such as delta‑8 THC, delta‑10 THC, THC‑O, HHC, THCP, or delta‑9 THCA; these are prohibited (SDCL 34‑20B‑118) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai)). Smoking or inhaling hemp products is banned (SDCL 38‑35‑21) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35-21?utm_source=openai)).

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Delta‑9 THC in hemp must not exceed 0.3% dry weight (SDCL 38‑35‑1; effective Feb 11 2026) ([mylrc.sdlegislature.gov](https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/296171.html?utm_source=openai))
• Chemical conversion of CBD into Δ8, Δ9, Δ10, or other THC isomers is prohibited (SDCL 34‑20B‑118; SL 2024 ch 129; effective Feb 14 2024) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai))
• Sale or distribution of chemically derived cannabinoids (e.g., Δ8, Δ10, HHC) is prohibited (SDCL 34‑20B‑118) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai))
• Smoking or inhaling industrial hemp is prohibited (SDCL 38‑35‑21; effective Mar 27 2020) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/38-35-21?utm_source=openai))
• Transporters must carry documentation and consent to inspection for THC compliance (SDCL 38‑35‑16; effective Mar 18 2022) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/38-35.html?all=true&utm_source=openai))
• Sale of Δ8, Δ9‑THCA, THC‑O, HHC to under‑21 is a misdemeanor (SDCL 34‑20B‑117; SL 2026 ch 151; effective Feb 11 2026) ([sdlegislature.gov](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20B?utm_source=openai))

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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