Everything You Need to Know About Medical Marijuana Cards in South Carolina
In a recent Winthrop University poll, more than 76% of South Carolinians favor the legalization of medical marijuana throughout the state. Why? Because this substance has been shown time and time again to help with severe ailments like chronic pain, PTSD, joint issues, and more.
The challenge is that while the majority of residents enjoying the Palmetto State are ready for this change in policy, many of the legal authorities are still playing catch up. However, that is likely to change in the near future with many proposed bills to legalize the sale, distribution, and use of medical marijuana.
With so much anticipation building, you probably have a few questions about how you can get South Carolina marijuana cards to begin using cannabis therapy as a treatment. Here is everything you need to know to get started.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in South Carolina?
The fact of the matter is that current laws do not allow the consumption or procurement of medical marijuana in the state of South Carolina. At most, you can enjoy CBD products that contain no more than 0.9% THC. That certainly helps if you have epilepsy or pain, but it is not as potent as medical-grade cannabis.
The only exception to this law is if you are visiting the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. They recently announced in 2021 that they would begin selling marijuana within their boundaries.
There is a lot of anticipation building around bills moving through the state house to legalize such products. For example, the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act has already passed in the Senate and is now referred to the House of Representatives. This would create the infrastructure for legalizing medical marijuana with dispensaries.
Odds are we are going to see significant movement on this bill sooner rather than later.
Why Should I Get South Carolina Marijuana Cards
So, if medical marijuana is not entirely legal, why should you invest time and effort in securing South Carolina marijuana cards?
The fact is that we will see medical marijuana becoming legal soon. When it does happen, it will be a floodgate of activity surrounding what dispensaries are allowed to sell, where you can make a purchase, and what requirements you’ll have to fulfill to get started.
One factor of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act is that it lays out clear expectations for who can and cannot get a South Carolina marijuana card. The state simply wants to be sure the people who are using this substance have a medical and logical reason.
The current bill, as it is written, provides South Carolina marijuana cards for qualifying medical conditions like:
- Cancer
- Neurological disease or disorders
- Sickle cell anemia
- PTSD
- Autism
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Cachexia
- Any condition causing someone to be stuck at home (including nausea)
- Terminal illnesses
- Any condition causing severe or persistent muscle spasms
As you can see, there is a lot of wiggle room in that list because many symptoms and maladies fall into those categories.
If you are holding back from securing South Carolina marijuana cards because you think your illness isn’t covered, you may be mistaken. It is always better to schedule an appointment with our team at South Carolina Marijuana Doctors. Not only will you be pre-registering to receive your card, but you’ll also get the verification you need that this line of treatment is the best therapy for your given situation.
What if I Have Severe Epilepsy?
Another exception to current medical marijuana laws in South Carolina is Julian’s Law. This outlines that anyone who has been diagnosed with epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, or Dravet Syndrome is able to obtain South Carolina marijuana cards for those high THC CBD products already mentioned.
Are there South Carolina Dispensaries to Use a Card at Already?
Yes and no. There are many highly qualified and diverse marijuana dispensaries all over South Carolina. Many of these have to fulfill specific local requirements for where they can do business, but they are spearheading the effort to bring in new products and lines for people to enjoy.
However, these are not actual “marijuana” dispensaries as of yet. Due to the legal nature of medical marijuana, they can only sell CBD products, and those with 0.9% THC must be purchased using South Carolina marijuana cards.
That being said, it is rewarding to see how lucrative these businesses are performing. If there are some legal experts still on the fence about legalizing medical marijuana over fear of business disruption, the current success of dispensaries in their current form is a clear indication the state can expect significant tax revenues once the substance is made legal.
Can I Grow Plants with South Carolina Marijuana Cards?
There is no pathway to legally grow marijuana plants in South Carolina, even if you have already secured South Carolina marijuana cards. If you get caught growing or cultivating cannabis, you can face fines up to $5,000 and possibly face a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
This is one of the more interesting parts of the medical marijuana movement. While most people pushing for legalization are looking at the business and health side of the coin, many others are considering decriminalization.
Under this other initiative, getting caught with smaller amounts of medical marijuana wouldn’t be such a harsh punishment or only involve a civil ticket similar to a parking fine.
Should I Work with Doctors to Get South Carolina Marijuana Cards?
All of the current proposed legislation and industry insiders are leaning toward medical marijuana being allowed very soon. When that happens, there are bound to be caveats or restrictions on who can use this substance.
The best way to ensure you are not left out from using cannabis as a therapy for your pain management, mental health, or other symptoms is to talk with our team at South Carolina Marijuana Doctors. We make the process of obtaining South Carolina marijuana cards as smooth and easy as possible.
Everything begins with you pre-registering with our team. During that process, you’ll request an appointment online or at any of our local South Carolina facilities. Once we have confirmed your date, you’ll get a face-to-face visit with our fully licensed and qualified medical doctors. Together, we will evaluate your needs and then determine if South Carolina marijuana cards are suitable for your treatment.
After all that is completed, you’ll be issued a brand-new South Carolina marijuana card – that very same day! This will look similar to a driver’s license but include essential information about who you are, where you reside, and what healthcare professionals are backing your treatment plan.
Ready to Get Started?
If you or someone you know is in need of relief through scientifically proven cannabis therapy, the best course of action you can take is securing South Carolina marijuana cards.
Our team at South Carolina Marijuana Doctors is here to help make these desires a reality. Whether you’re dealing with unrelenting anxiety or overcoming chronic pain from being a military veteran, our medical professionals want to provide one of the most effective treatment plans.
Schedule your appointment today and pre-register to receive a South Carolina marijuana card for your needs. We look forward to providing a new pathway toward a healthier, happier you with marijuana therapy.