Medical Marijuana in South Carolina
Although the state of South Carolina is one of the last remaining states in America to not legalize any form of medical marijuana, there are strong pro-legalization advocates and Congressional representatives pushing for more change in the “Palmetto State.” In 2022, the South Carolina Senate passed SB 150, or known as the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act, which would have allowed the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control to use a merit-based application process to issue licenses to thirty (30) processing facilities, fifteen (15) cultivation centers, five (5) testing laboratories, four (4) transporters, and one (1) dispensary assigned for every twenty (20) pharmacies. Unfortunately, SB 150 was defeated in the House based on a procedural motion that was voted upon in a 59-55 vote. Due to this defeat in the House, this further delayed South Carolina’s steps into the ever-growing marijuana industry by preventing relief and patient access for another year.
In the 2023 legislative session, the Compassionate Care Act (SB 423) was introduced again in the Senate. Unfortunately, it stalled in a Senate subcommittee and was unable to pass to the House floor by the April 10th deadline. However, it doesn’t mean SB 423 is dead yet, as it has the opportunity to move out of the Senate subcommittee at the start of the 2024 legislative session.
Currently with the passage of Julian’s Law in 2014, possession of CBD oil for children suffering with severe epilepsy is permitted. Further under this law, there is an exemption for the possession and use of CBD from the criminal definition of marijuana for patients who obtain a recommendation for CBD oil from a physician.
Upcoming Applications for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses in South Carolina
In the near future, there will be an open application process for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses in South Carolina. Now is the time to get started with your comprehensive and strategic business plan. Contact one of our consultants today!
Last Updated: July 11th, 2023