Although the hemp industry has gained popularity thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized it after years of misconceptions about the plant, the state of South Dakota had a totally different point of view on this matter. For this reason, many farmers and entrepreneurs lost their opportunities of joining the rising hemp market in its early stages.
Just until March 27, 2020, the state legalized industrial hemp. This happened after a yearlong discussion between Gov. Noem and legislators about the possibilities of creating a Industrial Hemp Program in South Dakota. Thanks to this decision, the state is taking a great opportunity for having a more organic and sustainable economic activity that has shown amazing results in the past years.
Although the new South Dakota hemp flower laws still make it difficult for individuals and groups to establish their own herb farms, this is a great step for the hemp industry, which is growing non-stop all over the country.