COLUMBIA, S.C. — At the State House Wednesday cannabis supporters came together to advocate for the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana across the state.
The South Carolina Cannabis Coalition hosted the rally and is pushing for what it calls sensible cannabis policies in all of the state’s counties.
“You don’t change the law, cannabis remains illegal but there’s no fine if you’re caught, no jail time and no court cost so it’s supposed to be treated as low as jaywalking which are very rarely issued tickets for these days, although it’s illegal everywhere,” Bob Chapman, founder of South Carolina Cannabis Coalition said.
As of January 2023, 37 states have legalized the medical use of marijuana, but the Palmetto State has yet to join them. The SCCC also pushes for medicinal legalization, arguing it can help patients undergoing medical treatment.
"The citizens want some action now," Chapman said. "We're tired of seeing other states where people can use it legally and in South Carolina we can't. Patients who are in serious medical issues like cancer, they deserve to use any remedy that's going to help them,"
State Senator Deon Tedder spoke at the rally and recently pre-filed a bill which would not allow the smell of cannabis alone to be used as probably cause to search someone’s car if they are pulled over.
After a bill known as the Compassionate Care Act failed to pass in 2022, the legalization may be up for debate again in this years legislative session.
The approval of a current joint resolution would allow voters to have a say in this debate in the November election, but the decision to pass the law will still lie in the hands of state lawmakers.