Just a few weeks ago, before life changed dramatically, the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act (H. 3660/S. 366) was primed for action. In January and February, the House 3M subcommittee heard testimony on H. 3660. Another committee meeting on the bill was scheduled for March 25, and we were optimistic H. 3660 would advance. Meanwhile, the Senate Medical Affairs Committee scheduled a March 19 hearing on S. 366. Unfortunately, both hearings were cancelled as the legislature began to furlough to…

Call your state representative and state senator TODAY.Year after year, the clock has run out on patients in South Carolina.At a gripping press conference last week, one mother described how she’s been fighting for medical cannabis for six years — half of her daughter’s life — and how other parents have lost their children who medical cannabis may have helped.Margaret Richardson — who suffers from a rare and excruciating illness — described having to “creep around like a criminal” and running out…

Click here to send a message in support of relief for patients and veterans. Earlier today, lawmakers reconvened in Columbia to continue their 2019-2020 session. Both the House and Senate are picking up the medical cannabis discussion where they left off. We need your help to make sure the legislature finally gives patients the relief they deserve. Send your lawmakers a message in support of these bills right now. Our automated system makes it quick and easy to write your lawmakers. You can send…

If you live in S.C., click here to send a message to your lawmakers in support of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act. Our allies at Compassionate South Carolina are hosting a Lobby Day in Columbia on Wednesday, April 3 to make the case for a medical cannabis program directly with lawmakers. This event can have a huge impact at an important time — a key deadline is just one week later. If you are a patient, loved one, veteran, or medical professional, please consider attending! Meanwhile,…

MPP and Clergy for a New Drug Policy are reaching out to clergy – you can help As South Carolina considers adopting a medical cannabis program, a recent poll shows how supportive South Carolinians continue to be. This support must certainly include members of the faith community. We are eager to identify individual clergy we might contact and work with on this important issue. If you are a member of the clergy or you know someone who is and who supports this effort, please let us know. Clergy may…

If you're a South Carolina resident, click here to send a message to your lawmakers in support of a medical cannabis program. Sen. Tom Davis introduced a new bill today that would establish a medical cannabis program for seriously ill patients in South Carolina. The text of Senate bill 366 is available here. Sen. Davis' office sent out a summary of the bill, and we have our own as well. Rep. Peter McCoy is expected to file his own version in the House soon. You lawmakers need to hear from you. Click…

Lawmakers reconvening for 2019 legislative session. If you live in South Carolina, click here to voice your support for medical cannabis in South Carolina! Lawmakers are reconvening this week in Columbia as the 2019 legislative session kicks off. Two bills have already been introduced that would establish a medical cannabis program, with more on the way. This could be a big year for patients seeking access to medical cannabis in the Palmetto State. Make sure lawmakers hear from you in support of…

South Carolina’s general election, set for Tuesday, November 6, is just 21 days away. The governor’s race and every House of Representatives seat is on the ballot. This is a particularly important election as lawmakers are expected to vote on a medical cannabis bill in 2019, and it will likely need the support of the governor. Those in office will have a huge impact on the future of South Carolina’s patients and their treatment options. Our voter guide is now available online. It includes all House…

The Senate’s version of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act passed today in the Senate Medical Affairs Committee. Lawmakers on the committee voted 8-6 in favor of sending the amended bill to the floor. This is a tremendous step forward, but time is short for a vote by the full Senate. Lawmakers only have until April 10 to vote and send the bill to the House before time runs out this year. The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act, introduced last year by Sen. Tom Davis and Rep. Peter McCoy,…

Today, South Carolina Sen. Tom Davis and Rep. Peter McCoy introduced comprehensive medical cannabis legislation — the South Carolina Medical Cannabis Act. The bill would allow seriously ill patients to safely access medical cannabis from regulated dispensaries. At a press conference in the capitol today, lawmakers, patients, and advocates discussed the legislation. While 28 states and Washington, D.C. now have effective medical marijuana laws, South Carolina’s seriously ill patients remain criminals…