No—HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is illegal in South Dakota.
State law explicitly prohibits the manufacture and sale of HHC, along with other chemically modified or converted hemp-derived cannabinoids.
South Dakota takes one of the strictest positions in the country on intoxicating hemp products, closing loopholes that exist in other states.
South Dakota’s Legal Status of HHC
❌ Explicitly illegal
South Dakota law classifies chemically modified hemp cannabinoids as controlled substances. This includes:
- HHC
- Delta-8 THC
- Delta-10 THC
- THC-O
- THCP
- Any cannabinoid created through chemical conversion
❌ Illegal to manufacture
Producing or converting hemp into HHC is prohibited.
❌ Illegal to sell or distribute
Retailers, smoke shops, and online sellers cannot legally sell HHC in South Dakota.
⚠️ Possession not clearly protected
While the statute focuses on production and sales, possession may still expose consumers to legal risk.
Why South Dakota Banned HHC
South Dakota lawmakers and regulators banned HHC to:
- Prevent intoxicating hemp products from bypassing cannabis laws
- Address public safety concerns related to unregulated cannabinoids
- Stop the chemical conversion of hemp extracts into psychoactive compounds
- Maintain a narrow and controlled cannabis policy
Unlike states that rely only on Delta-9 THC limits, South Dakota bans cannabinoids based on how they are made, not just their THC percentage.
What Hemp Products Are Still Legal in South Dakota?
✔ Legal (Non-Intoxicating Hemp)
- CBD (≤0.3% Delta-9 THC)
- CBG
- CBN
- Hemp topicals
- Industrial hemp products
❌ Illegal
- HHC
- Any intoxicating or chemically altered hemp cannabinoid
If a product is psychoactive and created through chemical modification, it is not allowed.
Can You Buy HHC in South Dakota?
❌ No
HHC cannot legally be purchased from:
- Smoke shops
- CBD or hemp stores
- Gas stations
- Online retailers shipping to SD
- Cannabis dispensaries
South Dakota dispensaries sell state-approved medical cannabis only, not hemp-derived intoxicants.
Can You Order HHC Online to South Dakota?
❌ No
Shipping HHC into South Dakota violates state law.
Most reputable brands restrict shipments to SD entirely.
FAQs
Is HHC legal in South Dakota?
No. HHC is illegal to manufacture or sell.
Why is HHC banned in South Dakota?
It is classified as a chemically modified hemp cannabinoid and treated as a controlled substance.
Can stores sell HHC in South Dakota?
No. Retail sale is prohibited statewide.
Can HHC be shipped to South Dakota?
No. Online shipments violate state law.
Are CBD products legal in South Dakota?
Yes, if they are non-intoxicating and Delta-9 compliant.
Is possession of HHC legal?
Possession is not clearly protected and may carry legal risk.
What South Dakota Consumers Should Know in 2025
- HHC is banned statewide
- Delta-8 and similar cannabinoids are also illegal
- Hemp legality depends on production method, not just THC level
- Buying HHC online is risky and non-compliant
- South Dakota enforces one of the strictest hemp policies in the U.S.
Conclusion
South Dakota has taken a firm stance against intoxicating hemp cannabinoids. By explicitly banning chemically modified compounds like HHC, the state eliminates gray areas seen elsewhere. Manufacturing, selling, or distributing HHC is illegal, and consumers should avoid attempting to purchase or import it.
Bottom line:
HHC is illegal in South Dakota in 2025. Residents should stick to legal, non-intoxicating hemp products or state-approved medical cannabis.