South Dakota hemp rules approved

Rules for hemp in the U.S. state of South Dakota have been approved, clearing the way for farmers to plant the crop next year. Rules approved Monday require growers to pay an inspection fee of $250, and hemp plots must be tested within a 15-day window before harvest. Growers must contact the Department of Public Safety at least 30 days prior to harvest to schedule an inspection. The rules also call for the disposal of any crops that exceed the federal THC limit of 0.3%. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture oversees the hemp program. The Department of Public Safety is to conduct field inspections. Gov. Kristi Noem signed off on the state’s industrial hemp program in spring 2020. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the plan in October.