PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem on Thursday vetoed House Bill 1209, which would increase the amount of THC allowed in industrial hemp to 5%, classifying marijuana as hemp.
In her veto letter, the governor says if the bill were to become law, South Dakota would allow hemp products and crops to contain over sixteen times more THC than is currently allowed at the federal level.
Last year, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources worked with members of the hemp industry, as well as legislators, to compromise and allow for 1% THC levels for a production in process.
Research shows that 1% THC levels are the trigger for causing psychotropic effects on humans.
Two states allow a product in process to contain up to 5% TCH: Colorado and New York, both of which have legalized recreational marijuana.
