A federal judge denied Hemp Quarters 605’s request to block South Dakota’s new law banning certain hemp-derived products, allowing the law to take effect on Monday.
House Bill 1125, signed by Kristi Noem, prohibits the chemical modification or conversion of industrial hemp into compounds such as delta-8 THC and bans the sale of products containing chemically derived cannabinoids. Violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors.
Judge Eric C. Schulte ruled that the retailer did not demonstrate a likely success in challenging the law’s constitutionality.
While the judge acknowledged the difficult position of Hemp Quarters 605, he emphasized the state’s authority to protect public health.
Despite the ongoing lawsuit, the ruling indicates a challenging legal path for the retailer.