Will South Carolina finally legalize medical cannabis?

As South Carolina prepares to elect its next governor, the debate over medical cannabis in the state is once again taking center stage. During a recent second-round debate in the Republican primaries, the two candidates vying for their party’s nomination indicated that they would be willing to consider legislation authorizing the medical use of cannabis, provided that strict safety measures are put in place.

These statements are particularly noteworthy in a state that remains one of the few in the United States without a comprehensive medical cannabis program, despite years of legislative efforts and strong public support.

The current lieutenant governor Pamela Evette said that her personal experience caring for a family member with a terminal illness had shaped her views on the issue. Referring to her father’s death from lung cancer, she explained that she would have wanted him to have access to any treatment that might have alleviated his suffering.

“If the General Assembly can present me, as governor, with a bill that does not ultimately pave the way for recreational use, I will give it very serious consideration,” she said.

Ms. Evette clarified that any future legislation should be backed by medical experts and designed specifically for patients with serious medical conditions, while avoiding legalization on a larger scale.

Attorney General Alan Wilson Supports Patient Access

His opponent, Attorney General Alan Wilson, also expressed openness to a regulated framework for medical cannabis. Mr. Wilson mentioned the recent decision by the federal government to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under U.S. federal law, arguing that this change could facilitate medical research and the development of treatments.

“I’ve met so many veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Mr. Wilson, also mentioning people with epilepsy, chronic illnesses, and terminal conditions. “And if there’s even a chance that we could derive some benefit from its medical use, then South Carolina should follow the federal government’s lead.”

Like Evette, Mr. Wilson drew a clear distinction between medical access and legalization for recreational purposes, stating that he did not support recreational cannabis.

The second round of the Republican primary is scheduled for June 23 and will determine which candidate will advance to the general election.

Democrats are calling for broader cannabis reform

On the Democratic side, State Representative Jermaine Johnson, who is already his party’s candidate for governor, supports the legalization of medical cannabis and advocates for a broader reform agenda.

According to his campaign platform, Johnson believes that medical cannabis should be made “safe, legal, and accessible” throughout the state. He also argues that regulation could generate economic opportunities for farmers and create new tax revenue.

Beyond medical use, Mr. Johnson supports holding a statewide referendum on the legalization of recreational cannabis and has pledged to commute the sentences of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.

Legislative efforts are continuing

This debate follows several years of unsuccessful attempts to pass legislation on medical cannabis in South Carolina. The Republican senator Tom Davis has presented on several occasions bills aimed at establishing a strictly regulated program that would allow patients with eligible medical conditions to access cannabis through licensed pharmacies.

The proposed framework would require authorization and supervision by a physician, while limiting access to patients with specific diseases, chronic conditions, or terminal illnesses.

Although some versions of this legislation have already been passed by the South Carolina Senate, they have repeatedly been blocked in the House of Representatives.

Davis argued that his proposals were deliberately conservative and focused exclusively on patient care. “This requires a doctor’s authorization for the patient, as well as a doctor’s supervision,” he said. “It requires that pharmacists be the ones to dispense it. It’s a very conservative bill, because that’s what the people of South Carolina want.”

Strong public support

While politicians remain divided, public opinion appears to be largely in favor. A 2024 poll revealed overwhelming support for the legalization of medical cannabis across political lines, with a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and independent voters supporting the reform.

Recent developments at the federal level have also reignited discussions within the state. Following the reclassification of cannabis into Schedule III under federal regulations, some advocates have argued that South Carolina’s current laws may already provide a legal pathway for certain medical cannabis programs. State officials are currently working to assess the implications of this.