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For nearly a decade, lawmakers in South Carolina have been pushing to legalize medical marijuana and provide relief to those suffering from debilitating conditions. Senator Tom Davis has been at the forefront of this effort, sponsoring the Compassionate Care Act which would establish one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the nation.
Under Davis' proposed bill, patients with qualifying conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and PTSD could legally access marijuana products for medicinal use. However, smoking marijuana would remain prohibited, only methods like vaping, edibles, and topicals would be permitted.
The bill has passed the Senate multiple times over the years, only to stall in the House. But 2024 could finally be the year medical marijuana reaches the finish line in South Carolina.
Federal Momentum
Adding momentum to the medical marijuana movement are recent actions by federal agencies. In May 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced plans to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance.
This significant shift acknowledges the legitimate medical applications of marijuana and would ease restrictions around research, prescription, and industry regulations. As Senator Deon Tedder noted, "This is huge because...when you go to Schedule III, you have drugs that are recognizable in the medical community."
If marijuana is reclassified from its current Schedule I status (defined as having no accepted medical use), it would remove a major argument used by opponents of medical marijuana legalization.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana
For patients dealing with severe or chronic conditions, medical marijuana can provide much needed relief with fewer side effects than many pharmaceutical drugs. The marijuana plant has been shown to help:
Reduce nausea and stimulate appetite in cancer patients
Relieve muscle spasms and pain in multiple sclerosis
Control seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy
Ease pain and inflammation
Improve sleep
Manage PTSD symptoms
While a small number of states have legalized recreational adult-use marijuana, most markets remain medical only. To legally access marijuana medicines, qualifying patients must obtain a state issued medical marijuana card.
Getting a card requires being diagnosed with an approved condition and receiving a physician's recommendation for medical marijuana treatment. This provides legal protections at the state level while using, purchasing, transporting, and cultivating a limited amount of medical marijuana.
For South Carolinians suffering from cancer, seizure disorders, PTSD and other debilitating issues, a medical card could be life changing in providing safe access to effective plant-based medicines.
A Shifting Landscape
Public opinion on marijuana has shifted dramatically in recent years, with 68% of Americans now supporting full legalization according to Gallup. Pivotal moves by federal agencies indicate the political landscape is also progressing.
If the DEA reschedules marijuana as recommended, and if the Compassionate Care Act finally passes the South Carolina House, thousands of patients in the state could soon gain legal access to medical marijuana. While the state's program would be tightly regulated, for those dealing with severe health conditions, safe and legal medical marijuana access could drastically improve quality of life.
Don't Be Left Behind
As of 2024, 39 U.S. states and territories have enacted effective medical marijuana laws. From conservative Oklahoma to the recent addition Mississippi, medical programs continue to spread across the nation.
It's time for South Carolina's lawmakers to show true compassion and join the majority of states in providing their residents with safe access to marijuana medicines. Voters have made it clear they support medical marijuana, and suffering patients have waited long enough for relief.
For the health and well being of its people, South Carolina must get on the right side of this issue before being left behind. Passing Sen. Davis' Compassionate Care Act in 2024 would be a hugely positive step forward for the Palmetto State.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in South Carolina
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors just as soon as the state’s medical marijuana market is up and running.
You’ll learn if you qualify for a South Carolina Marijuana Card and how to best treat your conditions with safe, effective medical marijuana. You’ll even save $25 off the cost of your evaluation!
Doctors Who Care
Relief You Can Trust.
South Carolina Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-6670, or simply reserve an appointment to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out South Carolina Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information!