A neon sign advertises delta-8 products at a store in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)
RAPID CITY, S.D. (South Dakota Searchlight) – Rapid City has conducted what sources in law enforcement and government say could be one of the first compliance checks for hemp-based intoxicants since a South Dakota law banning their sale took effect a little over a year ago.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office partnered on the operation.
Officers and deputies visited eight area smoke shops and convenience stores on Thursday, purchasing products like gummies, suckers, vape cartridges and beverages containing hemp-derived ingredients.
The products will be tested to see if they contain any of the prohibited high-inducing chemicals lawmakers voted to restrict in 2024.
The compounds occur in tiny amounts in hemp plants, but are synthesized to infuse into consumable goods at levels significant enough to induce marijuana-like euphoric feelings in those who use them. The law is targeted at the synthetic versions of the compounds, sold under names like Delta-8 and THC-O, sometimes called “diet weed.”
The bill restricting the sale of those products did not bar the possession of them. Their sale is a low-level misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
A press release on the operation said businesses were sent letters on June 10 warning them to pull offending products from their shelves.
“We want to better understand what’s being sold in our community and ensure that both consumers and retailers are informed,” Pennington County State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel said in the press release.
Katy Urban, spokeswoman for Roetzel’s office, told South Dakota Searchlight that the products collected in the end-of-July sweep will be tested at local law enforcement laboratories, and by the State Health Lab in Pierre.
There is no specific timeline for results.
Since the law banning the products took effect on July 1, 2024, 100 charges have been filed, according to the State Unified Judicial System. Spokeswoman Alisa Bousa said the figure includes pending and completed cases, and that each case could involve multiple charges.
Rep. Brian Mulder, R-Sioux Falls, prime sponsor of the bill creating the law in 2024, said via text message he hasn’t heard of any other counties or agencies doing similar compliance checks.
Representatives from local law enforcement agencies in Mulder’s city did not immediately respond to a question on whether they intend to conduct similar compliance checks.
Comments