Medical Cannabis: A Plain-Language Guide for South Carolina Patients

Medical cannabis refers to using the cannabis plant — or specific compounds in it — to treat symptoms or conditions under a physician's guidance. The two most studied compounds are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

• CBD is non-intoxicating. It's the active compound in the FDA-approved seizure medication Epidiolex.
• THC is intoxicating. It's responsible for the "high" and is most strongly associated with pain relief, anti-nausea, and appetite effects.
• Many medical preparations combine both in specific ratios — and the ratio matters.

The 2017 National Academies review found conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for:

• Treatment of chronic pain in adults
• Reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Improving multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms

The FDA has approved Epidiolex (CBD) for certain treatment-resistant seizure disorders. Promising but more limited evidence exists for PTSD symptoms, sleep disturbance in chronic illness, and cancer-related appetite loss.

Most side effects are mild and dose-related. The most common are:

• Dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, sleepiness
• Increased heart rate (especially with inhaled products)
• Anxiety or paranoia at higher THC doses
• Short-term cognitive slowing

Important drug interactions include warfarin and other anticoagulants, sedatives and benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, and several anti-seizure medications. Always bring your full medication and supplement list to any evaluation.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients. Both the FDA and ACOG advise against cannabis use.
• Adolescents and young adults under ~25. Brain development is ongoing; THC use carries higher risks.
• Personal or family history of psychotic disorders. THC can trigger or worsen psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
• Serious cardiovascular disease, severe COPD/asthma. Cannabis acutely raises heart rate; smoked products irritate airways.
• Active substance use disorder. Risk of cannabis use disorder is meaningfully higher in this group.

When South Carolina's Compassionate Care Act activates, a physician evaluation is a thoughtful conversation — not a rubber stamp. Bring:

• A clear description of your symptoms, what you've already tried, and what hasn't worked.
• A complete current medication list, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
• Recent medical records: provider notes, imaging, labs, hospital discharge summaries.
• Honest goals. "I want to sleep through the night" is more useful than "I want to feel better."

• Start low, go slow. Especially with edibles — wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing.
• Document what works. Product, dose, time, effect, side effects.
• Never drive impaired. Medical certification does not create a legal exception.
• Lock it up. Store in original child-resistant packaging, out of reach of children and pets.
• Don't cross state lines. Cannabis remains federally illegal.

• Join our Readiness List at mmdocsc.com/readiness-list to be notified when the program activates.
• Use our free Records Prep checklist to gather documentation now.
• Take our quick interactive tutorial for a 5-minute overview.
• Subscribe to law updates so you hear it from us when South Carolina moves.