By Scout Nelson
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined a coalition of 35 Attorneys General asking Congress to maintain the federal hemp definition adopted in November 2025.
The coalition believes the updated law strengthens oversight of hemp products while protecting consumers and supporting legal hemp businesses.
The Attorneys General recently sent a joint letter to congressional leaders and the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The letter thanked Congress for addressing a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed unregulated intoxicating hemp products to enter the market.
"Reopening the loophole increases youth access to intoxicating hemp products," said Attorney General Jackley. "As Attorney General, I remain committed to safeguarding South Dakotans and ensuring hemp-related regulations reflect both common-sense protections and the intent of Congress in establishing a safe and orderly hemp market."
Members believe stronger federal standards improve consumer safety, provide clearer enforcement for state agencies, and continue supporting legal agricultural and industrial hemp production.
South Dakota joins Attorneys General from Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming in signing the letter.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy