Is Marijuana Legal in South Carolina?

Is weed Legal in South Carolina
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Home to one of the oldest trees in the country and some of the most historic districts, South Carolina is unfortunately not known for being marijuana-friendly. The state still forbids the recreational and medical use of marijuana statewide. However, the use of CBD within permissible limits is legal in the state. That seems to be the only positive from the state’s non-existent marijuana industry. 

Cannabis is also not decriminalized so offenders can expect the strictest punishment for even the slightest possessions in this state. The following explores all the details about the legality of marijuana in South Carolina.

Is weed legal in South Carolina?

No, possessing, purchasing, gifting, or consuming cannabis for recreational purposes is strictly prohibited in South Carolina.

When will weed be legal in South Carolina?

No one currently knows when recreational use of cannabis will be legalized in South Carolina. However, like most states where it is already legal, there is medical marijuana will most likely be made lawful first. 

Are edibles legal in South Carolina?

No, edibles are 100% illegal in South Carolina.

Is medical marijuana legal in South Carolina?

Unfortunately, even medical marijuana is yet to be legalized in South Carolina. However, prescribed CBD products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are lawful.

How to get medical marijuana in South Carolina

You cannot purchase medical marijuana in South Carolina since it’s illegal. However, residents of South Carolina can purchase CBD products from an FDA-approved manufacturer. Only qualified patients with a written doctor’s permission can access CBD products in the state. Also, medical cannabis is permitted for use in the treatment of a limited list of conditions provided that it contains no more than 15% of CBD and less than 0.09% of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in South Carolina?

There are currently no marijuana dispensaries in South Carolina.

How long does it take to get your medical card in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not currently have a medical marijuana program and consequently has no medical marijuana cards in use.

Does South Carolina accept out-of-state MMJ cards?

No, South Carolina does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients since it does not have an industry.

Marijuana bills/laws in South Carolina & key questions

Unless you have a CBD prescription for CBD products, every other form of marijuana purchase, possession, or consumption is illegal in South Carolina. The exemption of prescribed CBD products is thanks to a law enacted in 2014 across the state that allows doctors to prescribe it for patients with certain conditions. However, despite this law, patients are unable to easily access CBD products in South Carolina.

Since then, there has been a growing appetite in the state for medical marijuana to be legalized. Republican state Senator Tom Davis who was instrumental in crafting and enacting the state’s CBD legislation has been at the forefront of the quest to legalize medical cannabis in the state. In 2017, along with his colleagues, Senator Davis introduced the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act. This Act would have made it lawful for cannabis to be used in the treatment of certain debilitating conditions in the state. However, the bill failed to make it to the Senate floor for a vote.

The quest for marijuana legalization in South Carolina continues.

How much marijuana can I have in South Carolina? (in oz)

You can not legally purchase or possess any form of CBD in South Carolina at the moment.

Is Marijuana decriminalized in South Carolina?

Unfortunately, marijuana is not yet decriminalized in the state.

Is there a fine or penalty for marijuana possession in South Carolina?

Since marijuana is not decriminalized in South Carolina, even the simplest possession is usually punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine between $100 and $200.

How many cannabis plants per household in South Carolina?

Cannabis cultivation at home is strictly prohibited and illegal in South Carolina.

South Carolina dispensaries regulations

There are currently no medical marijuana dispensaries in South Carolina. However, qualifying patients who have a prescription for CBD may purchase it from any FDA-approved retailer.

South Carolina growers regulations

Growing cannabis is still illegal in South Carolina.

Closing thoughts

South Carolina has been opposed to change for a long time but advocates are hopeful that this will change soon. For now, the state appears to be anti-marijuana with strict policies. This could however change as lawmakers and voters seem to agree that changes are required to South Carolina’s current marijuana laws.

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