South Carolina state elections are almost here!

South Carolina is one of only 19 states that still jails people for possession of small amounts of cannabis. The General Assembly’s House of Representatives has consistently failed to take up medical cannabis legislation passed by the state Senate. Meanwhile, possession of even a single joint (and up to one ounce) remains a misdemeanor offense, with up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $200-$1,000 — even though more than half of Americans live in legalization states. In 2025, South Carolina arrested 10,352 people for cannabis possession.

In a turn of events that buoy hopes for 2027, South Carolina has a medical cannabis law on the books, passed in 1980, that can finally be implemented now that the federal government has rescheduled state-legal medical cannabis. Under the South Carolina Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act, the state is required to obtain the cannabis that patients use. The law applies only to certain patients with cancer and glaucoma, but regulators can expand qualifying conditions. This is a perfect time to finally implement the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act, championed by Sen. Tom Davis (R) for over a decade.

Next month, voters will have an opportunity to decide who represents them in the state capitol. The choice for governor and state representatives will decide how South Carolina will proceed regarding cannabis policy. Since current House leadership has not allowed cannabis related bills to even be considered, we do not have a voting record to grade legislators.

You can view your sample ballot and check your voter registration ahead of the election. Early voting runs from October 19-31st. Election Day is on November 3, 2026. All of these positions play a major role in whether cannabis policy moves forward over the next four years. 

Voters are eager for reform: South Carolina remains one of eight states that do not have a medical program, and arrests folks for possessing even small amounts of cannabis. Recent polling has consistently shown roughly 80% support for medical cannabis legislation, and 55% support for full legalization.