South Carolina Medical Marijuana Card

Is Medical Marijuana Legal In South Carolina?

Medical marijuana is still illegal in South Carolina. The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act (S. 150), which would have legalized medical marijuana in the state, was killed in the House in 2022 after being introduced in the Senate in 2021. It sought to make medical cannabis accessible to patients diagnosed with certain debilitating medical conditions under a proposed medical marijuana program.

While medical cannabis remains illegal in South Carolina, Julian's Law (S. 1035), which the state Senate passed in 2014, allows patients with severe epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, to use low-THC oil with no more than 0.9% THC and 15% CBD. An epilepsy patient whose condition has defied conventional treatments only requires a physician's certification to access low-THC CBD oil.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in South Carolina in 2024

Medical marijuana is currently illegal in South Carolina. The state will roll out its medical cannabis card application process when it legalizes medical cannabis.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in South Carolina

Currently, South Carolina in 2024 does not issue medical marijuana cards and does not approve medical marijuana use for any medical conditions. The state does allow the use of low-THC CBD oil for residents suffering from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, also known as 'severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy', and any other severe form of epilepsy

Can I Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card In South Carolina Online?

No, South Carolina has yet to legalize medical marijuana.

Do I Need To Be A South Carolina Resident To Get A Medical Marijuana Card?

South Carolina has not legalized marijuana for medical uses.

What Is The Cost Of A South Carolina Medical Marijuana Card?

South Carolina will set the cost of its state's medical marijuana card (new and renewal) for patients and caregivers when it legalizes medical cannabis and establishes a medical marijuana program. It will also reveal the acceptable means of paying such fees.

What Do You Need When Visiting A Medical Marijuana Dispensary In South Carolina?

South Carolina does not have licensed medical cannabis dispensaries, nor has it approved any patient for medical marijuana treatment since medical cannabis is still illegal in the state. However, it is characteristic of licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in states with medical marijuana programs to request patients' medical marijuana identification cards while visiting dispensaries. Sometimes, they may require patients to provide state-issued IDs alongside their medical marijuana cards before filling their prescriptions. South Carolina may adopt this model when it legalizes medical cannabis.

Who Can Prescribe Medical Marijuana In South Carolina?

There is no need to see a doctor to get medical marijuana in South Carolina since medical cannabis is still illegal in the state. However, patients in the state who qualify for low-THC CBD oil need to see licensed physicians and obtain certifications to use low-THC CBD oil with no more than 0.9% THC and at least 15% CBD concentration.

Can A Minor Get A Medical Marijuana Card In South Carolina?

No. Medical marijuana cards are not available to minors in South Carolina in the same way they are not for adults since the state has yet to legalize medical cannabis. However, when the state legalizes medical marijuana, patients who are minors may require their parents' or legal guardians' consent to obtain South Carolina medical marijuana cards as it operates in states with established medical marijuana programs.

Can You Get A Medical Marijuana Card At 18 In South Carolina?

No. South Carolina does not provide medical marijuana cards to minors and adults. It does not have a medical marijuana program and it is illegal to use marijuana for medical purposes in the state. Minors approved to use low-THC CBD oil for epilepsy in South Carolina cannot look forward to obtaining medical marijuana cards when they turn 18.

How To Renew Your South Carolina Medical Marijuana Card

There is no renewing medical marijuana card in South Carolina since the state has no medical marijuana program.

Can You Grow Medical Marijuana In South Carolina?

No. South Carolina prohibits the cultivation of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Growing fewer than 100 cannabis plants is a felony punishable by a maximum of $5,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment. Anyone caught cultivating between 100 and 1,000 marijuana plants in South Carolina commits a felony offense and risks a fine between $25,000 and $200,000 and up to 25 years jail sentence. Besides facing up to 25 years imprisonment, anyone convicted of growing between 1,000 and 10,000 plants risks up to a $50,000 fine. Also, those doing over 10,000 marijuana plants face up to a $200,000 fine in addition to a maximum of 25 years of jail time.

Does South Carolina Allow Medical Marijuana Patients To Designate Caregivers?

Currently, South Carolina does not have a medical marijuana program and hence, has no provisions for caregivers. However, individuals caring for minors may administer low-THC CBD oil to minors who qualify to use the oil. Such individuals may be the minor patients' parents or designated caregivers. Generally, medical marijuana caregivers are persons who have given their consent to assist medical cannabis patients who are minors or disabled purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries. They also help administer such products to the patients under their care. Some states with established medical marijuana programs permit caregivers to grow a limited number of marijuana plants for their patients' medical use.

South Carolina Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

South Carolina does not have a medical marijuana program as of 2024.

Are My Medical Marijuana Records Private?

Currently, medical cannabis is illegal in South Carolina. However, medical marijuana records anywhere in the United States are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All medical records, including patients' medical marijuana records, are expected to be kept confidential under HIPAA. However, they may be disclosed in certain instances. For example, law enforcement agencies can request patients' medical cannabis records if required in the public interest. Similarly, medical marijuana records can be revealed to employers if disclosure is needed for information concerning workplace-related injuries or illnesses.

Does Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana In South Carolina?

Although medical cannabis remains illegal in South Carolina, health insurers are not obligated to cover medical marijuana costs.

What Is The Medical Card Limit In South Carolina?

South Carolina has no medical marijuana program under which it can issue medical marijuana cards.

Can You Go To A Dispensary Without A Medical Card In South Carolina?

There are currently no licensed marijuana dispensaries in South Carolina.