City Council to Hold Final Vote on Ordinance Regulating Hemp-Derived Products

Steve Jurrens
Nov 17
2 min read

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council is set to review Ordinance No. 25-24 for its Second Reading on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, which would establish local regulations on the sale, purchase, and possession of hemp-derived products.

The ordinance is intended to amend the City's Offenses and Regulations code to address concerns specifically regarding hemp-derived Delta-9 products. The core objective of the ordinance is to "close any loopholes that would allow the sale of hemp-derived Delta9 products to individuals under the age of 21".

The new Chapter 13.02 introduces several clear regulations:

· Age Restriction: It explicitly prohibits the sale, serving, or allowing the consumption of hemp-derived products by any person under the age of 21 years.

· Possession and Purchase: It makes it unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, attempt to purchase, consume, or have in their possession a hemp-derived product.

· Social Host Responsibility: The ordinance prohibits a "social host" from knowingly permitting a person under 21 to illegally consume any hemp-derived product on their premises.

· Defined Product: A "hemp-derived product" is defined as any consumable product, including beverages, edibles, tinctures, oils, vapes, or inhalants, that contains a measurable amount of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), including Delta-8 and Delta-10 variants.

· Exceptions: There are two exceptions to the restrictions on furnishing products to those under 21:

1. When done in the immediate presence of a parent, guardian, or spouse over 21 (and not at a retail sales establishment).

2. By prescription or direction of a duly licensed medical professional for medicinal purposes.

· Exemption for CBD: Products containing only CBD or Cannabidiol with no measurable amount of THC are exempt from this ordinance.

Violations related to the purchase, consumption, or possession of the products are subject to the penalties outlined in Title 13 of the City Code. Importantly, any violation related to the sale of these products by a holder of an alcohol license may result in the suspension or revocation of that license.

The City Manager, City Attorney Lisa Carrico, and Police Chief Tim Toomey recommend approval of the ordinance. Following the First Reading on November 3, 2025, the final vote is scheduled for Wednesday's meeting. If adopted, Ordinance No. 25-24 will become effective on December 12, 2025