Is Weed Legal In South Carolina? SC Marijuana Laws 2024

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As of 2024, there are a total of 38 US states that have legalized medical marijuana and have active medical marijuana programs. Unfortunately, South Carolina is not included in this list as both recreational and medical marijuana are illegal within the state. The only legal form of marijuana is low THC/ high CBD oils as the last marijuana legalization bill was rejected by the Senate back in 2020.

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in South Carolina?

No, recreational marijuana is illegal in South Carolina. This includes the consumption, possession, and distribution of high-THC marijuana products. The laws set by the state to stop marijuana-involved crimes are very strict and can easily end up in prison time and heavy fines even for small amounts of marijuana in possession.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in South Carolina?

No, just like recreational marijuana, medical marijuana is also illegal in South Carolina. Even though almost ⅔ rd of US states (38 to be exact) have legalized medical marijuana, South Carolina is very strict in its stance. Several bills that have been rejected by the Senate have the potential to pave the way for medical marijuana legalization within the state. The only marijuana-based products allowed are low THC/ High CBD oils. To get access to these oils, there is a series of requirements and regulations ready to block one’s way.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

• For less than one ounce of marijuana flower in possession, the involved person can face a misdemeanor conviction, up to 30 days in jail, and a fine of $200.
• A first-time offense for personal use is a misdemeanor, involving penalties from one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.
• For more than one ounce of weed in possession, you’ll be charged with intent to distribute and punished for a felony.
• A second conviction can land you in jail for up to five years on top of a maximum fine of $5,000.
• Marijuana Paraphernalia possession can end up in a $500 fine for you.
• Penalties for growing marijuana are dependent on the plant’s total weight. There’s a mandatory prison sentence for a single plant.
• Getting caught with ‘concentrates’ can end up in a prison sentence of up to 30 days and a fine of up to $200.

Is Weed Decriminalized in South Carolina?

No, the state of South Carolina has a very firm stance on possession of marijuana. Any individual caught with marijuana in possession regardless of the amount will face a mandatory 30 days in jail and a fine ranging between $100-$200. The amount of fine and prison time can increase depending upon the amount of marijuana in possession and the severity of charges pressed.

Future of Cannabis Legalization in South Carolina

The last attempt to legalize marijuana within the state was back in 2020. The senate rejected the bill and the only future of cannabis legalization left in South Carolina is a bill under consideration that will be able to decriminalize small possession of marijuana if passed.

South Carolina Marijuana Laws In 2024

• As of now, both recreational and medical marijuana are illegal in South Carolina, and anyone in possession of marijuana regardless of the amount can face jail time/fines.
• The Compassionate Care Act, Bill 423 has so far been approved by the Senate’s Medical Affairs Committee. If approved, the act can open new ways for eligible patients to legally possess and consume medical marijuana.

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FAQs

Can I Grow My Cannabis In South Carolina?

• No, the state of South Carolina hasn’t legalized marijuana in any capacity so growing your Cannabis is a criminal offense.

Is Smoking Marijuana Legal In South Carolina?

• No, you can’t smoke marijuana in public or private in any capacity as per South Carolina state law.

Can I Buy Marijuana Products Online?

• No, marijuana is still illegal in South Carolina for both medical and recreational use. For this reason, distributors don’t supply marijuana goods to state residents.