It’s Just a Gummy. Or a Vape. Or a Plant. Right?
In Codington County, cannabis use is becoming more common, not just among teens or young adults, but across work sites, households, and social groups. With so many products available, from edibles and oils to vapes and synthetics, it can seem harmless, even helpful.
But today’s cannabis isn’t what it used to be. Potency is higher. Synthetics like Delta-8 and Delta-10 are poorly regulated, often illegal, and carry major risks to mental health. And while the packaging might look fun or safe — sometimes even like candy — the effects can hit harder and last longer than people expect.
And it’s not just gummies. THC and CBD drinks are popping up everywhere — in cans that look like sparkling water or fun, fruity sodas. With labels that say things like gluten-free, low calorie, zero alcohol, they’re easy to mistake for something innocent. But behind the branding, these are still potent substances — and the packaging can be especially confusing (and tempting) for kids.
Understanding CBD vs THC
Cannabis contains compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive component responsible for the “high,” while CBD does not intoxicate but is often marketed for health benefits. Even though CBD is generally considered safe, many products are not FDA-approved, and the market is largely unregulated. Studies show that products may be mislabeled, containing different levels of CBD than advertised, and some may contain THC, leading to unintended effects. CBD can also interact with medications or cause side effects like fatigue, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.
More Than Just a Habit
People turn to cannabis for all kinds of reasons, to relax, sleep, quiet anxiety, or just feel “normal” for a while. Sometimes it starts as a way to unwind after work or manage physical pain. Sometimes it feels like the only thing that slows your thoughts down.
And often, we don’t even think of it as “coping.” It’s just what we do at the end of the day, with friends, alone in the quiet, or when things feel like too much. But that pattern can slowly turn into something we lean on more than we meant to.
Legal Doesn’t Always Mean Low Risk
Cannabis use can create patterns, especially for kids who are watching. Whether it’s the gummy on the counter or the vape pen in the car, those small things teach big lessons about how we cope and what we normalize.
Some forms of cannabis are legal in South Dakota. Others, especially synthetic versions like Delta-8 and Delta-10, are not. Many are sold illegally or misrepresented. And because everyone’s body and brain chemistry is different, what feels “fine” for one person can trigger a crisis in another.
Even legal CBD products carry potential risks: mislabeled ingredients, unknown potency, side effects, and interactions with medications. Consulting a healthcare provider before use — especially for teens, pregnant or nursing people, or anyone on medications — is an important step
This isn’t about judgment. It’s about being honest about the risks.
Change Doesn’t Have to Be Dramatic — Just Real
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to rethink your habits. If you’re feeling off, unsure, or just curious about what life could look like with fewer substances in it — that’s reason enough to explore change.
You’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re human. And there’s a better way forward — on your terms, and at your pace.