Does South Carolina have medical marijuana?

No. As of May 2026, South Carolina has no operational medical-cannabis program. SCDHEC does not issue medical-cannabis cards. The only existing narrow carve-out is Julian's Law (2014), an affirmative-defense statute for severe epilepsy patients enrolled at MUSC.

What is the Compassionate Care Act?

The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act (S.53 in 2025-26) is the formal name for medical-cannabis legislation introduced in every legislative session since 2014 by Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort). The Senate has passed similar versions twice (2022 and 2024). Both died in the House. As of May 2026 the bill has not received a 2026 hearing.

When will SC have a medical-cannabis card?

Unknown. As of May 5, 2026 the Compassionate Care Act has not received a 2026 hearing in either chamber. Realistically, an operational SC medical-cannabis program is not expected before 2027 and only if both chambers' political composition or House leadership shifts. Operational sales typically follow enactment by 18 months to 5 years.

Are CBD products legal in South Carolina?

Yes. Under SC's 2017 Hemp Farming Act and the 2018 federal Farm Bill, hemp-derived products including CBD, Delta-8 THC, hemp-derived Delta-9, and THCA flower are sold lawfully at SC retailers. The federal hemp cliff arrives November 12, 2026 under PL 119-37, which will significantly restrict intoxicating-hemp products.

Can I use my out-of-state medical card in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina has no reciprocity because it has no medical-cannabis program. An out-of-state card provides no legal protection in SC. Visiting patients with cannabis in their possession are subject to S.C. Code § 44-53-370.

Who is Sen. Tom Davis?

Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) is a Republican attorney who chairs the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and has been the principal sponsor of medical-cannabis legislation in the South Carolina Senate since 2014. He has methodically reworked the bill across sessions to address law-enforcement objections, including by removing smokable flower, banning home cultivation, requiring pharmacist dispensing, and eliminating tax language that triggered the 2022 origination-clause kill.

SC Medical Cannabis Card — Patient Hub (Honest Edition)

South Carolina Medical Cannabis Card — Patient Hub

South Carolina currently has no operational medical-cannabis program. SCDHEC does not issue medical-cannabis cards. There is no qualifying-physicians list, no state-licensed dispensary, no registry. The closest the General Assembly has come is the Compassionate Care Act (S.53, 2025-26) sponsored by Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort). This hub explains what does and does not exist, what S.53 would do, and what SC residents can do today.

Last verified: May 2026

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects South Carolina cannabis law as of June 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH, formerly DHEC, restructured 2025); South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA, hemp); South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED); South Carolina Attorney General or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis, especially if you take other medications.

Cards Issued

12 yr

Davis Campaign

Senate Passed

House Passed

The Honest Summary

South Carolina is one of a small number of remaining U.S. states without a comprehensive medical-cannabis program. The structural reasons are real and have been stable for over a decade:

Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) has introduced the Compassionate Care Act every legislative session since 2014. The Senate has passed similar bills twice (S.150 in 2022 by 28-15; S.423 in 2024 by 24-19) only to see them die in the House.
The 2022 origination-clause kill by Rep. John McCravy III (R-Greenwood) and Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope used Article III § 15 of the SC Constitution to derail S.150 without a House floor vote. See 2022 origination clause.
The 2024 House 3M Committee let S.423 die after one subcommittee hearing. See 2024 House 3M death.
As of May 5, 2026 — three days before sine die — S.53 has not received a 2026 hearing in either chamber. Realistically, medical cannabis in SC is not expected before 2027 at the earliest.

This hub does not pretend an SC card exists. Instead it gives SC residents and visitors honest information about (a) what S.53 would create if enacted, and (b) what SC residents currently do for cannabis-based medical needs.

The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act (S.53) has not been enacted. SCDHEC does not issue medical-cannabis cards. There is no operational program.
South Carolina Legislature — S.53

The Four Topics, Four Dedicated Pages

The medical-card section is split into four pages so you can go straight to what you need:

Qualifying Conditions (Proposed)

SC has no current list because there is no card. Page covers the narrowly drawn list S.53 proposes (cancer, MS, epilepsy, sickle cell, PTSD, severe autism, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, cachexia, terminal illness, severe muscle spasms, opioid-substitute eligibility) and why routine pain and anxiety are deliberately excluded.

See the proposed list

How to Apply (Today and Future)

Honest 5-step framework for SC residents: confirm there is no SC card, Julian’s Law for severe epilepsy at MUSC, hemp-derived products under the 2017 Hemp Farming Act (until Nov 12, 2026), cross-border options, advocacy. Plus what the future application process would look like under S.53.

See actual options

Cost & Renewal Framework

No SC fee today. Expected $50–$150 state registry fee + ~6–9% excise tax under S.53 (set by regulation post-enactment). Hemp-product retail prices, Julian’s Law cost, cross-border pricing. Why there is no recreational tax to compare.

See cost framework

Reciprocity & Cross-Border

No reciprocity today. Out-of-state cards have no SC effect. EBCI (NC tribal), Maryland, Florida, WV options for SC residents. PWID one-ounce cliff and 25-year trafficking exposure for any cannabis brought back. Federal hemp cliff Nov 12, 2026.

See cross-border options

The Compassionate Care Act — Where Things Stand

The full political and legal history of SC’s medical-cannabis fight is covered in the Compassionate Care section. Quick map:

Quick Comparison: SC Today vs. S.53 vs. Common Reference States

Feature	SC Today	S.53 (If Enacted)	NJ (For Reference)
Medical Card	None	State registry card	Free digital card
Qualifying Conditions	N/A (Julian’s Law for severe epilepsy only)	Narrow ~13 conditions, no routine pain/anxiety	17 (incl. chronic pain & anxiety)
Smokable Flower	N/A	No	Yes
Home Cultivation	No (Class A misdemeanor)	No	No (third-degree felony)
Reciprocity	No (no card to reciprocate)	None expected (narrow grace at most)	Limited (recreational sales for visitors)
Adult-Use Path	No	No	Yes (since April 2022)

For Research-Backed Condition Information

For evidence-based summaries on how cannabis may affect specific conditions, see TryCannabis.org’s conditions guide. Always consult your treating physician.