26/08/2025
Interesting 🤔. Now it’s for those who use this to make their choice.
The Watertown Police Department is issuing this public service announcement to inform residents about the mental health risks believed to be associated with Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC products and to clarify South Dakota’s laws regarding their sale and use.
There is limited research on this subject. Based on the response to recent calls for service by the WPD, there does appear to be an association of these products with mental health issues.
This is simply a public health advisement and we want to ensure that the public is informed to the best of our ability.
We encourage anyone with questions to conduct their own research before using these products, which are not well-regulated.
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Mental Health Concerns
Scientific studies and recent case reports raise significant concerns about the mental health effects of Delta-8 and Delta-10:
• Psychosis & Schizophrenia: High-potency THC use is linked to increased risk of psychotic disorders, particularly among youth and individuals with underlying vulnerabilities.
• Depression & Anxiety: Heavy or long-term THC use has been associated with worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Suicidality: Frequent cannabis use correlates with higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts among teens and young adults.
• Delta-8 & Delta-10 Specific Risks: Because these products are often produced synthetically and inconsistently labeled, they carry added risk of paranoia, hallucinations, and other adverse psychiatric effects. The FDA and CDC have both issued warnings regarding unregulated Delta-8 and Delta-10 products.
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South Dakota Laws Regarding Delta-8 and Delta-10
While some h**p-derived products remain legal, South Dakota law places strict limits on Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC:
• Hemp-Derived Legality: Products derived from h**p containing ≤ 0.3% delta-9 THC may be legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and South Dakota’s HB 1008 (Chapter 38-35).
• No Inhalables: The sale or use of smokable or inhalable h**p products (including Delta-8 or Delta-10 vapes and flower) is prohibited in South Dakota.
• Synthetic THC Products: South Dakota law (SDCL 34-20B-118) prohibits the sale or distribution of chemically modified h**p products such as synthetic Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-O, THC-P, and HHC. Violations are a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine.
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Key Takeaway
While h**p-derived Delta-8 and Delta-10 products may be legal under narrow circumstances, they present real risks to mental health and, in many cases, may violate South Dakota law.
Parents, caregivers, and community members should be aware of these dangers and restrictions. For more information, or if you are concerned about someone using these products, contact the Watertown Police Department at 882-6210 or the Human Service Agency at 886-0123.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles related to these products, please call 988 for support.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
