South Carolina ended its 2025 to 2026 legislative session without a medical marijuana program. Two main vehicles, Senate Bill 53 and House Bill 3019, did not become law. The state still has only a narrow law allowing low THC cannabidiol oil for certain patients. This is the sixth or seventh session in a row in which a comprehensive bill has stalled, often after passing the Senate. This post explains what South Carolina allows, what happened in 2026 and what residents should know. It is program and legal status information only, not legal or medical advice.

What South Carolina law allows today

Item	South Carolina status
Comprehensive medical program	None
CBD oil law	Julian’s Law (2014), expanded in 2018
Covered use	Low THC cannabidiol for certain conditions, initially severe epilepsy
In state dispensaries	None
Home grow	Illegal
Adult use	Illegal
Hemp	Regulated by the Department of Agriculture

Julian’s Law, named for a child with severe epilepsy, created a possession defense for low THC cannabidiol oil with a physician’s written certification. A 2018 change broadened it. It does not create a market or a registry with dispensaries.

The Compassionate Care Act history

Senator Tom Davis of Beaufort has sponsored the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act for years. It would create a tightly regulated program, banning smoking, limiting conditions and placing oversight with the Department of Health and a board. The Senate passed versions in 2022 and 2024. Each time it stalled in the House, where committee leaders raised procedural objections or declined to schedule votes. In 2022, the House sent the bill back on a ruling that it was a revenue bill that had to start in the House.

The 2026 outcome

South Carolina runs two year sessions. Bills filed in January 2025 could move until the session ended in May 2026. S 53, the Senate’s version of the Compassionate Care Act, and H 3019, a House version, did not pass both chambers before the session closed. Both died, and new bills will need to be filed in January 2027.

The federal piece

The DOJ final rule effective April 28 2026 placed marijuana under a state medical license in Schedule III, with a broader hearing that began June 29 2026. That does not create a South Carolina program. Schedule III status applies to products under a state medical license, and South Carolina issues none. State law still treats marijuana possession as a crime.

Hemp and consumers

Many South Carolinians buy hemp derived products. The federal hemp changes take effect with the synthetic cannabinoid exclusion on Nov 12 2026 and THC and container limits plus a seed provision on Dec 11 2026. That could reduce what is on shelves. State lawmakers have also debated hemp age limits and product rules.

Penalties

Possession of up to one ounce is a misdemeanor for a first offense, with possible jail and fines. Penalties rise for repeat offenses and larger amounts. Cultivation is a felony at many plant counts. There is no medical defense outside the narrow CBD law.

Traveling to nearby states

North Carolina and Georgia border South Carolina. Georgia has a medical program for its residents, and North Carolina has only a tribal program for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Bringing products into South Carolina is illegal.

How bills move in South Carolina

A bill must pass three readings in each chamber and be ratified. With two year sessions, a bill filed in the first year can carry over to the second, which is why 2026 was a final chance for S 53 and H 3019. Committee chairs control whether bills get hearings, so a bill can have majority support and still not reach a floor vote. Advocates focus on committee scheduling for that reason.

Who supports and opposes

Supporters include patient groups, some veterans organizations and a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Opponents have included some law enforcement groups and the state’s top law enforcement official, who has warned against legalization. Medical groups have been split. That mix has kept the House cautious even as polls show public support.

What residents can do

Patients who rely on CBD oil should keep their physician certification and buy from reputable sources that publish lab results. Residents who want change can contact their House member, since the House has been the main barrier.

What to watch

Watch for a new Compassionate Care Act in January 2027 and House committee action. Our legal requirements for growing weed plants in your state compares other states.

What the Compassionate Care Act would do if passed

Versions of the bill would allow a limited list of conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, post traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell disease, Crohn’s disease and terminal illness with a short life expectancy. They would ban smoking and raw flower for smoking, require a physician relationship, cap the number of licensed businesses and require pharmacist involvement at dispensing sites. These are features of a proposal, not current law, and they could change in a new version.

CBD oil buyers

Because no in state medical market exists, CBD shoppers should look for products with lab certificates showing low THC. Keep the physician certification under Julian’s Law with any product you carry if you rely on the defense.

How to follow it

The SC Legislature website lists bill texts, committee schedules and votes. Bills for the 2027 to 2028 session can be prefiled in December 2026, so watch for a new Compassionate Care Act number then.

Program access, age and the law

This guide covers how the South Carolina program works and who can access it. It does not describe what cannabis does for any condition, and it is not a substitute for a conversation with a licensed practitioner. Rules can change after a legislative session or a new agency rule, so confirm every detail with the South Carolina Legislature and the SC Department of Public Health before you act. Federal law still treats cannabis outside a state medical license as a controlled substance, and seeds have their own federal rules, so read our December 11 2026 seed rule explainer before ordering. Kind Seed Co sells only to adults 21 and older, and buying seeds is never a substitute for following the home grow rules in your state. Our guide to the legal requirements for growing weed plants in your state lists what each state allows. This article is general information. It is not legal advice and it is not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does South Carolina have a medical marijuana program?

No. It has only Julian’s Law, a narrow low THC CBD oil law.

What happened to S 53 and H 3019?

Both died when the 2025 to 2026 session ended in May 2026.

Does federal rescheduling make medical marijuana legal in South Carolina?

No. Schedule III applies to products under a state medical license, and South Carolina issues none.

Can I grow at home in South Carolina?

No. Cultivation is illegal.

Final thoughts

South Carolina’s 2026 ended like many earlier sessions, with medical bills dying in committee. Only Julian’s Law remains. Watch for a new bill in January 2027.

Ready to start

Browse the full range in the Kind Seed Co shop or go straight to marijuana seeds south carolina. Kind Seed Co sells only to adults 21 and older. Always follow the cannabis laws where you live.