Ignoring much of the major progress being made in support of CBD and its medicinal and recreational uses, South Carolina legislators have created some of the strictest CBD restrictions in the entire country. While CBD remains legal for specific patients in rare medical circumstances, most consumers might not be able to legally access CBD to respond to their pain or anxiety issues.
The state remains staunchly opposed to full legalization of medical marijuana, and its restrictions on CBD are similarly stringent. Even for patients who qualify under the strict regulations of the existing medical CBD framework, there are significant limitations placed on what types of marijuana/CBD they can possess, which might even further hinder the likelihood that CBD oils will be used in an effective manner on their path to recovery.
South Carolina CBD Laws
To start with, CBD remains a schedule I illegal substance for any user who does not have the proper medical justification for possession. These medical justifications include a Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, as well as any form of intractable—or untreatable—epilepsy. Additionally, any sufferer making use of medical CBD must have a form of the disease which will not respond to any traditional form of medicinal therapy.
Once a user has the written certification of a physician licensed within the state, they are then allowed to access CBD that offers above 98% CBD and over .09% THC. However, the law also offers no clear protections for producers and distributors of medical CBD. This means that users and providers alike might still remain vulnerable to drug charges, arrest, and prosecution under state law.
South Carolina and the Farm Bill
According to some legal experts, the Federal Farm Bill of 2014 legalized the industrial hemp industry, making it legal for consumers to purchase CBD oil and for companies to distribute it without the threat of prosecution. This might technically be the case, but advocates frequently warn consumers that these legal protections might not extend to all fifty states. Biases in police officers, local laws, or state disputes with the supremacy of this particular federal law might complicate matters.
Before purchasing any CBD products, consumers would be wise to reach out and speak to a legal authority in their jurisdiction. This might help to clear up specific laws in an incredibly complex situation. Especially if gaining access to a medical CBD prescription might be impossible, users looking for CBD should inquire with local representatives of law offices to decide if CBD is legal in their area.
