Here’s the Buzz: South Dakota Leads the Nation in Hemp Production

Here's some news that might make Cheech & Chong consider relocating to South Dakota.

The Rushmore State is leading the nation in hemp production.

Dakota News Now reports that a recently released report from the United States Department of Agriculture shows that South Dakota led the rest of the country in the number of acres of hemp harvested in 2024.

Although our lead looks to be a brief one, as the state of Texas continues to fast-track its hemp production. Texas has seen a 1,800% increase in hemp acres over the past year, far outpacing any other state in the nation.

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According to Dakota News Now, South Dakota's leading harvest amounted to 3,700 acres, almost 95% of the acres planted in the state. That number is significantly higher, no pun intended, than most other states.

Hemp isn't just for smoking.

That's one of the biggest misconceptions out there.

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When you typically hear someone mention the word hemp, most people immediately think marijuana, right? Hemp is indeed a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with marijuana. However, hemp does have a wide range of other uses in everyday life.

It's also used in the production of textiles, paper, construction materials, bioplastics, mulch, and hemp oils that are found in cosmetics, skin care products, cooking oils, and renewable biofuels.

So while it's true, South Dakota might be high on hemp...production, it doesn't mean the average South Dakotan is so high they could hunt ducks with a rake!

Sorry to disappoint you Snoop Dog, Willie Nelson, Bill Maher, and all you other cannabis lovers out there.

Source: Dakota News Now