Is Delta-8 THC Legal in South Dakota?

By | Updated on October 5, 2023

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South Dakota passed a bill legalizing hemp and hemp-derived products, which means delta-8 is also legal. Read on to learn more about delta-8’s legal status in South Dakota.

Summary

Delta-8 THC is legal in South Dakota like all hemp-derived products.


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South Dakota Delta-8 THC Laws

Delta-8 and other hemp-derived products are legal in South Dakota. Although the first attempt to legalize hemp in the state failed in 2019 when governor Kristi Noem vetoed the bill, South Dakota finally legalized hemp on March 30, 2020 with House Bill 1008.

The bill defines hemp as:

Hemp” or “industrial hemp,” the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta -9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent on a dry weight basis

South Dakota HB 1008

This bill brings South Dakota in line with the federal government and technically allows for delta-8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a form of THC, the cannabis compound that gets you high. Most people are familiar with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is what we refer to when we say “THC.”

Delta-8 THC can cause similar effects as delta-9 THC. For example, both substances can cause red eyes, increased appetite, euphoria, pain relief, and sedation.

However, research shows that delta-8 THC is about 66% potent as delta-9 THC (1). Therefore, you are less likely to experience side effects, such as anxiety, when you take delta-8 THC. The bottom line is that delta-8 THC is a weaker, legal form of regular delta-9 THC.

Why Delta-8 THC is Federally Legal

Cannabis plants naturally make delta-8 THC. However, the amount isn’t sufficient to make products. That’s why most vendors obtain delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol from hemp-derived CBD through a chemical conversion process.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp legal across the United States, this means delta-8 products made from it are also legal.

Where Is Delta-8 THC Illegal?

Every state has the right to regulate delta 8 in its own way.

Delta-8 THC is currently illegal in 17 states: Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

The Future of Delta-8 in South Dakota

It’s tough to say if delta-8 THC will remain legal in South Dakota. However, considering that the state’s citizens voted in favor of cannabis legalization in 2020, I think that delta-8 will stay legal.

In fact, South Dakota is the first state to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana at the same time. However, the motion to legalize recreational cannabis was struck down by the Supreme Court.

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