South Carolina Medical Marijuana Laws 2024: Everything You Need To Know
In recent years, there has been a huge shift in attitude toward drugs in the United States, particularly marijuana. At the start of 2024, 38 states have currently legalized cannabis for medical use and 24 for recreational use, while a growing number of the remaining are reevaluating their stance. What about South Carolina, though?
As the New Year gets underway, the state is on the precipice of an exciting new era, and in this latest blog, we take a closer look into the current system and what may lie in store over the next 12 months.
What is the current state of medical marijuana in South Carolina?
The state of South Carolina has held long-standing and traditional conservative views on marijuana for both medical and recreational use. However, the first steps to a change in stance began around a decade ago when the Cannabidiol Medical Marijuana Act 2014 was introduced.
As the awareness of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis became more apparent, there was increased pressure on legislators to reconsider their stance. The new act allowed the use of low-THC, high-CBD oils to start being used for certain medical conditions. Since then, a more comprehensive medical marijuana program has been inching ever closer.
However, while a significant change might be on the horizon, as it currently stands the use of marijuana remains illegal and is classified as a Schedule 1 Dangerous Controlled Substance. For those caught in possession of less than 1oz of the drug, it can result in a misdemeanor for first-time offenders or up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine for repeat users. Anyone caught with over 1oz will face a felon charge for possession with intent to distribute. This can be up to ten years in prison and a hefty fine.
For those caught cultivating the plant, anyone with less than 100 plants will face five years in prison, while anyone with more than 100 plants will spend 25 years behind bars.
What lies in store for 2024?
Although the use of marijuana for recreational and medicinal use remains illegal, it looks set to change for the latter this year. In April 2023, the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act passed the senate with huge support and if the bill continues unimpeded then residents in the state may soon be able to qualify for a medical marijuana card.
The proposals under consideration aim to provide a more inclusive and patient-centric framework for the state, offering certain patients the chance to experience the potential relief medical marijuana can provide. The proposals are based on several key areas:
- Qualifying medical conditions
The primary focus of the new legislation is on the qualifying medical conditions. Research has already shown that marijuana can help with a range of conditions, supporting patients in managing the pain and discomfort they bring; however, in order to qualify for a card patients will not just need to be diagnosed. Their primary care provider will need to consider the condition to be seriously impacting their day-to-day life before a card can be issued.
As other states have shown, the qualifying conditions can be broad, with conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, MS, PTSD, terminal illness, epilepsy, and neurological diseases most common.
- Access and availability
The law change also focuses on the access and availability of marijuana. In order to meet patient needs, a number of regulated dispensaries will need to be established across the state to ensure patients can obtain their medication conveniently and safely. There also needs to be a streamlined application process in place to ensure bureaucratic hurdles do not prevent eligible patients from receiving the treatment they need.
- Dosage and regulations
Once the bill is passed, the use of medical marijuana in South Carolina will be heavily regulated to ensure only those eligible are able to access the drug and only at the required dosages. These are designed to ease the concerns of those opposed to legalization and prevent the risk of potential misuse.
The current bill will make South Carolina the most restrictive of the states that have made medicinal marijuana legal. Users under the bill will not be allowed to smoke it and instead will need to use prescribed edibles or vapes. Growers will also be restricted to farms no more than two acres in size.
- Employment and legal protections
Finally, the proposed amendments also seek to ensure employment protections for those eligible for medical marijuana. This means that employees cannot be discriminated against based on their status.
However, there are certain professions where individuals will not be eligible for a medical marijuana card. These are typically public-facing roles or where the drug might impact the safety of others, such as law enforcement, commercial drivers, those operating heavy machinery, and pilots.
What do the public think?
In recent years, public support for legalizing medical marijuana has soared, with a survey conducted by the Winthrop University in 2023 finding 76% of South Carolinas in favor of it (compared to 56% for recreational use).
While there is opposition and resistance to the legalization, advocacy groups such as the South Carolina Compassionate Care Alliance have been pivotal in raising awareness of the benefits it can bring. They have helped to destigmatize medical marijuana and demonstrate the success it’s enjoyed elsewhere.
The legalization of medical marijuana will go far beyond just providing relief for patients. It could also have a significant and positive impact on the economy. The southern states have long been the leaders in the production of tobacco, and as cigarette use continues to decline the move into farming cannabis could provide a vital step toward a secure, long-term future. Estimates suggest that by 2026, the legal marijuana industry will be worth over $50 billion so there is immense potential and opportunities on offer.
Of course, it’s not just the farmers who will benefit. Establishing the sector will see the need for further cultivation centers, dispensaries, delivery drivers, and more. This will generate a number of new job opportunities and contribute to the state’s tax revenue.
When will medical marijuana be legal in South Carolina?
The exact date that medicinal marijuana will become legal in the state of South Carolina is not yet known, but proponents are hopeful that it will be finalized shortly and on sale later this year. Senate Medical Affairs Chairman Danny Verdin is pushing hard for the bill to passed as soon as possible, although there is still heavy opposition in the house so this could still take a little while.
Get prepared today
Although the exact date of legalization is unclear, all signs are pointing toward it happening in 2024. Here at South Carolina Marijuana Doctors, we’re a compassionate medical cannabis clinic dedicated to helping you get the care and relief you need, so make sure you stay up to date with all of the latest news via our blog and pre-register for your medical marijuana card today.
Got a question? Our team is always happy to help so send us a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP.