South Carolina

Overview

South Carolina has no medical marijuana program in practice and no adult-use program. A narrow law allows patients with severe epilepsy to possess certain low-THC CBD oil. Possessing an ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor for a first offense, and penalties increase sharply for repeat offenses. The Compassionate Care Act, a full medical program, has passed the Senate in past sessions but not the House.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.

What's Legal

All cannabis is illegal; a very limited CBD oil program exists only for registered epilepsy patients.

Possession Limits

None — all cannabis is illegal; limited CBD oil (≤0.9% THC) allowed only for intractable epilepsy

Home Growing

Not permitted

Recent Changes

The Marijuana Policy Project has noted that a little-known 1980 South Carolina law on therapeutic research could in theory support a medical program. That remains a policy argument, not an operating program.

Driving and Cannabis

Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in South Carolina, as it is in every state, whether or not the cannabis was obtained legally. Officers may rely on field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, and blood tests, and some states set specific THC limits or zero-tolerance rules. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle and carrying open or unsealed packages where the driver can reach them are commonly prohibited. If you have used cannabis, the safest choice is not to drive.

Crossing State Lines and Federal Law

Taking marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between two states where cannabis is legal, and it may also violate the law of the state you enter. Marijuana is also prohibited on federal land, in national parks, and at airports under TSA jurisdiction. In 2026 the federal government moved FDA-approved products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, but adult-use marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, and rescheduling does not legalize interstate transport. Separate federal changes to the legal definition of hemp take effect in late 2026 and will restrict many intoxicating hemp-derived THC products.

South Carolina Cannabis FAQ

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Official Resource

Cannabis laws change often, and limits, penalties, and program rules can differ from what is summarized here. This page is general information, not legal advice. Before you rely on any detail, check the official state source below or consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.