South Carolina Hemp Regulation Proposal Hits Roadblock

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South Carolina House Republicans' proposal to regulate the state's hemp market, including requirements for psychoactive hemp products and limiting sales to liquor stores, has hit a roadblock. After hours of debate and questionable support, House leadership sent the bill back to committee, leaving its future uncertain. The state Senate is now planning to have a hearing on its own regulation bill next week.

Why it matters

The regulation of hemp and hemp-derived products, including those with psychoactive compounds like delta-9 THC, is an ongoing debate in many states as the industry continues to evolve. The outcome of these legislative efforts in South Carolina could set precedents and have significant impacts on hemp businesses and consumer access in the state.

The details

The House Republicans' proposal would have required hemp products that cause psychoactive reactions to only come in 12-ounce cans with a maximum of 5 milligrams of delta-9. It also would have limited these sales to liquor stores and outlawed gummies and other products with delta-9. During the debate, both Democrats and Republicans raised concerns about the potential effects on small businesses.

• On February 5, 2026, the South Carolina House Republicans' hemp regulation proposal hit a roadblock.
• The South Carolina Senate unanimously passed legislation to strengthen the state's DUI laws after three weeks of debate.

What’s next

The South Carolina Senate is planning to have a hearing on its own hemp regulation bill next week.