South Carolina senator pushing for legalization of medical marijuana

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – The Compassionate Care Act did not pass in South Carolina for this session, a bill that would legalize medical marijuana.

The bill would legalize medicinal cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions as long as it’s prescribed by a doctor.

Medical marijuana is legal in 39 states, but not in South Carolina. Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) said after over a decade of trying, 2026 is the year.

“That pharmacist is going to take an oath. I mean, we’re not just going to dispense this when it’s not warranted, you know, so there’s checks and balances in place when you have medical providers involved,” said Brian Clark from the South Carolina Pharmacy Association.

Davis said it’s a no-brainer because it promotes medical freedom.

“It is a conservative bill. It is strictly limited to medical conditions, and really this is all about helping patients,” Davis said.

Clark said he has heard continuously that there needs to be more research, but he said almost every study said 70-80% of voters think it’s needed.

“Well, medical marijuana has been used for years and years. I mean, we’re looking at least probably 70, 80 years. At what point do we start with needing more studies?” Clark said.

The bill has passed in the Senate twice before, but the Speaker of the House, Murrell Smith, has said there is not enough support in the House to pass the bill.

“Speaker Smith’s previous statement on the medical marijuana bill holds true,” said a statement from Speaker Smith’s office.

Governor Henry McMaster said last week that he recognizes both sides of the argument.

“They have…it was a very compelling situation,” McMaster said. “On the other hand, law enforcement almost took into account and still has grave concerns. I think what we need to do is study it very carefully, get as much information as we can, and try to do the right thing.”

Davis said that he plans on talking to Smith directly because he believes that he has the votes in the House to pass it.