Current status: Medical cannabis is not currently legal in South Carolina. No active patient registry or medical cannabis card program exists at this time.
Last updated · January 2026
South Carolina Medical Cannabis Legislation Tracker
Track where South Carolina’s medical cannabis legislation stands today, what may happen next, and how patients can prepare responsibly before the program becomes active.
This page is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal or medical advice. Program requirements may change. Certification is not guaranteed.
South Carolina’s medical cannabis legislation is still in the legislative process. The program is not active yet, but patients can begin learning and preparing.
Interactive timeline
Legislative timeline & patient impact
Tap any milestone to expand what happened, why it matters, and what it means for patients today.
What happened
Bills such as the Compassionate Care Act (S. 53) and Put Patients First Act (H. 3019) have been introduced but have not become active law.
Why it matters
The proposed framework may shape future patient certification, registry, and physician requirements.
What this means for patients
Patients can prepare records and learn about the process, but certification appointments cannot be promised until legally allowed.
Allow licensed physicians to recommend medical cannabis
Create a state-run patient and caregiver registry
Permit regulated dispensaries to grow and distribute cannabis
Provide legal protections for patients, caregivers, and providers
Limit products to non-smokable forms (e.g., oils, edibles, topicals)
Based on current proposals
Conditions that may qualify
Cancer
Chronic pain
PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
Epilepsy and neurological disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn's disease / ulcerative colitis
Severe nausea
Terminal illness
Severe muscle spasms
Conditions where opioids may otherwise be prescribed
The House bill includes a broader list than the Senate version. Conditions may expand over time and final qualifying conditions will depend on the law that passes.
Expected — not finalized
Potential qualification requirements
While not finalized, patients may need to:
Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition
Receive a written certification from a licensed South Carolina physician
Provide proof of South Carolina residency (ID or driver's license)
Important: Final requirements will depend on the law passed.
Want to be ready if South Carolina’s program opens?
Join the readiness list to receive program updates, education resources, and appointment availability alerts when legally permitted.
No. Medical marijuana is not currently legal in South Carolina, and there is no active patient registry or medical cannabis card program at this time.
Can I get a South Carolina medical marijuana card today?+
No. South Carolina does not currently have an active medical cannabis card program. Be cautious of any service promising immediate approval or guaranteed access.
What medical cannabis bills are being tracked?+
This tracker monitors the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act (S. 53) and the Put Patients First Act (H. 3019), among other related proposals. Final requirements may change before any program becomes active.
What happens if legislation passes?+
If legislation passes, South Carolina would still need to create rules, registry procedures, physician requirements, patient forms, and implementation timelines before patients could participate.
How can I prepare now?+
Patients can learn about potential benefits and risks, organize medical records, follow program updates, and join the readiness list to receive alerts when legally permitted appointments become available.
This legislation tracker is for educational purposes only. It does not provide legal or medical advice. South Carolina medical cannabis laws are subject to change. Medical cannabis is not currently legal in South Carolina, and certification is not guaranteed. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether medical cannabis may be appropriate if and when the program becomes active.