South Dakota Governor Signs Bill Legalizing Hemp Cultivation
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has signed into law a bill legalizing industrial hemp and CBD oil. The 2018 Farm Bill made the production, processing and distribution of hemp federally legal; however, South Dakota, Idaho and Mississippi were the only states to keep hemp production illegal.
House Bill 1008 legalizes the growth, production and transportation of industrial hemp in the state. The use or sale of smokable hemp is prohibited.
The bill includes $3.5 million in funding to establish the state’s hemp production program. Funding may change after a special session is held in June to review the state’s budget.
The state’s hemp plan will have to be submitted to and receive approval from the U.s. Department of Agriculture before growers can start planting.
