Senator Tom Davis has set the stage for South Carolina to debate medical marijuana once again, prefiling legislation for the 2025 session. With public support high and a conservative framework in place, the bill is a renewed push to offer patients a less intrusive alternative to opioids.
A Conservative Approach to Medical Marijuana
Senator Davis’s bill, S.53, proposes a strictly regulated medical marijuana program aimed at addressing concerns that have stalled similar efforts in the past. Patients would be required to secure a doctor’s recommendation for cannabis use, limited to specific medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, and chronic pain where opioids are the standard of care.
Davis described the legislation as “very conservative” to appeal to South Carolina’s predominantly conservative population. The framework would restrict cannabis distribution to licensed “therapeutic cannabis pharmacies,” requiring pharmacists to dispense the products under strict supervision. Smoking marijuana and personal cultivation would remain prohibited.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The legislation includes several measures to address opponents’ concerns and ensure patient safety:
- Qualifying Conditions: Patients with debilitating medical conditions, terminal illnesses, or chronic pain conditions can seek medical cannabis.
- Regulatory Oversight: The state Department of Public Health and Board of Pharmacy would license and monitor cannabis businesses.
- Medical Cannabis Advisory Board: A new board would review and adjust qualifying conditions as needed.
- Usage Restrictions: Public safety workers, including law enforcement and pilots, would be prohibited from using medical marijuana.
- Packaging and Labeling: Products must include health warnings and child-proof packaging.
- Local Authority: Municipalities could ban cannabis establishments or set local operating rules.
The bill would also sunset five years after the first sale of medical cannabis, allowing lawmakers to assess the program’s effectiveness and make adjustments.
Public Support for Reform
South Carolinians overwhelmingly back medical marijuana legalization. A recent poll revealed bipartisan support, with 93% of Democrats, 74% of Republicans, and 84% of independents in favour. Advocates like Kevin Caldwell of the Marijuana Policy Project are optimistic that 2025 will be the year the legislation finally passes.
“We believe this bill addresses the concerns raised by opponents and meets the needs of patients who have been advocating for this reform,” Caldwell said, calling it a chance to provide relief to tens of thousands of people in the state.
A Long History of Legislative Hurdles
The road to medical marijuana legalization in South Carolina has been anything but smooth. A similar bill passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House over procedural disputes. Critics have voiced concerns about the potential for recreational legalization, the federal conflict over cannabis, and the risks to pharmacists involved in dispensing the drug.
Religious and moral arguments have also played a role in the debate. Steve Pettit of the Palmetto Family Council argued against legalization, citing biblical principles. Others claimed marijuana use has led to personal tragedies, such as suicidal ideation.
Despite these challenges, Davis remains steadfast. He has criticised his own party’s opposition, calling it an “intellectually lazy position” that disregards medical facts.
What’s Next?
The South Carolina legislative session begins in January 2025, and the bill will likely face rigorous debate. Advocates are preparing to rally public and legislative support, while opponents are expected to continue voicing concerns over potential societal and legal impacts.
For patients in need of alternatives to opioids, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the bill passes, South Carolina will join 38 other states that have legalized medical marijuana, marking a major step forward in addressing chronic pain and other debilitating conditions.
