South Carolina
In July 2023, the South Carolina legislature passed a bill that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis. The bill reduces the penalty for possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250.
This is a significant step forward for cannabis reform in South Carolina.
Current Legislation
Recreational marijuana: Recreational marijuana is not legal in South Carolina. The bill that was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2023, H.3486, did not pass. The bill would have allowed adults 21 and older to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to four plants per household. It would have also created a state-regulated market for the sale of marijuana products.
There is currently no active legislation in South Carolina that would legalize medical marijuana. However, there is a growing movement in the state to legalize medical marijuana. In 2022, a poll found that 63% of South Carolinians support the legalization of medical marijuana.
It is possible that medical marijuana will be legalized in South Carolina in the near future. However, it is also possible that the state will continue to wait and see how other states implement their medical marijuana programs before taking action.
Here are some of the key provisions of the medical marijuana legislation in South Carolina:
Qualifying conditions: Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS.
Possession: Patients with a medical marijuana card are allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants per household.
Sale: Marijuana products can only be sold to patients with a medical marijuana card from licensed dispensaries.
The medical marijuana legislation in South Carolina has been met with some controversy. Some people believe that the law is too restrictive, while others believe that it is too lenient. The state is currently considering changes to the law, but it is not clear when these changes will be made.
Overall, the cannabis legislation in South Carolina is still evolving. The state is taking a cautious approach to the legalization of marijuana, and it is not clear when recreational marijuana will be legalized. However, the state is expected to see increased growth in the cannabis industry in the coming years.
Here are some additional things to know about cannabis legislation in South Carolina:
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the medical marijuana legislation.
DHEC has issued a limited number of medical marijuana licenses, and there are currently 12 dispensaries operating in the state.
DHEC is also working on developing regulations for the sale of recreational marijuana, but it is not clear when these regulations will be finalized.
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