SC legislature set to decide whether to ban or regulate hemp, THC products

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina House lawmakers will consider two proposals this week that could significantly reshape the state’s hemp industry — one that would ban hemp‑derived THC products outright and another that would regulate them.

The House last year passed a bill raising the minimum purchasing age for hemp products to 21.

Hemp, a member of the cannabis family, is used to produce a variety of products, including items infused with THC that can cause psychoactive effects.

David Spang, who founded Coastal Green Wellness in 2017, said he favors a comprehensive regulatory bill that outlines how the industry should operate. He warned that a full ban could devastate businesses that have grown over the past eight years.

“It has been beneficial for a lot of South Carolinians, from consumers who rely on these products and have improved their life on a daily basis to South Carolina‑based small businesses that have made their livelihood over the last eight years and invested into the industry,” Spang said.

Rep. Justin Bamberg, D‑Bamberg, said adults should have the freedom to use the products responsibly.

“Especially if it means that 75‑year‑old or 55‑year‑old Marine Corps veteran or the guy coming off his 12‑hour shift — if he wants to have a CBD drink or THC drink or have a gummy, he should be able to do that. She should be able to do that,” Bamberg said.

The regulatory bill would restrict the market to hemp‑infused beverages sold only in liquor stores. Each beverage would be limited to 12 ounces and no more than 5 milligrams of delta‑9 THC.

House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Weston Newton, R‑Beaufort, has described the current market as a “wild, wild West.” He said the primary goal is keeping intoxicating products away from minors and noted that state law enforcement officials believe they can regulate beverages but not a broader range of products.

“If we do a complete ban and that doesn’t get voted on or approved, then we’re left with nothing — and a 12‑year‑old, 14‑year‑old, 16‑year‑old can still have complete access to this stuff,” Newton said.

Several lawmakers say the regulation‑focused bill appears to have broader support than an outright ban.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said he expects the Senate to take up a hemp regulation measure later in the session, either one originating from the House or a separate Senate proposal.

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