South Carolina Medical CBD / Low-THC Law

(Updated 2025)

1. 1. Introduction

South Carolina permits very limited use of CBD-rich, low-THC cannabis extracts for patients diagnosed with certain severe forms of epilepsy. The law, enacted in 2014, does not create a full medical marijuana program, does not allow home cultivation, and does not provide for legal in-state production or sale of qualifying cannabis products.

This program is designed specifically for patients with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or refractory epilepsy, with products meeting strict chemical composition requirements.

1. 2. Quick Facts – South Carolina CBD Program

1. 3. Qualifying Conditions

The following conditions qualify for CBD use under South Carolina law:

• • Dravet Syndrome
  • Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
  • Refractory epilepsy (seizures that do not respond to standard medical treatments)

1. 4. Patient Possession Rules

• • Legal cannabis extracts must contain:
    • More than 15% cannabidiol (CBD)
    • No more than 0.9% THC
  • Products outside these limits are illegal in South Carolina.
  • There is no explicit possession quantity limit, but all products must meet the THC/CBD chemical requirements.

1. 5. Legal Protections & Limitations

• • The law provides an affirmative defense for patients and physicians — it does not broadly legalize cannabis.
  • No legal in-state production or retail framework exists. Patients must obtain qualifying CBD oil from out-of-state sources, which can present legal and logistical challenges.
  • The law is not a substitute for a comprehensive medical marijuana program.

1. 6. Home Cultivation

• • Prohibited for all patients and caregivers.

1. 7. Licensed Dispensaries

• • None — no licensed cannabis retail or distribution exists in South Carolina.

1. 8. Caregivers

• • No formal caregiver system is established under state law.

1. 9. Reciprocity

• • South Carolina does not recognize medical cannabis registrations or CBD laws from other states.

1. 10. Program Overview

• • Law Signed: 2014
  • Regulatory Authority: None formally designated for in-state distribution
  • Estimated Registered Patients: No public registry exists

1. 11. Key Considerations for Patients

• • Access is extremely limited and restricted to severe epilepsy patients meeting the law’s criteria.
  • CBD products must meet precise chemical composition requirements to qualify for legal protection.
  • Without an in-state supply chain, patients must navigate sourcing products independently, which can create compliance and safety challenges.

1. 12. Resources & References

• • NORML – South Carolina: norml.org/laws/south-carolina
  • State Legislation: South Carolina CBD / Low-THC Law (2014)