South Carolina Reaches Compromise on 'Cannabis Consumables' Regulation

New law allows some hemp-derived products in convenience stores, restricts stronger items to liquor stores

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:04pm

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After a failed initial attempt, the South Carolina Senate has passed a compromise bill to regulate the sale of 'cannabis consumables' in the state. The new law allows beverages with up to 5 milligrams of THC to be sold in convenience and grocery stores, while stronger products and infused gummies can only be sold in liquor stores. Stand-alone hemp stores will also be permitted to continue operating under the new rules.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to strike a balance between the booming hemp-derived products industry and the concerns of law enforcement and the alcohol industry. It represents a compromise between social conservatives who wanted a total ban and Democrats who pushed for more consumer freedom. The outcome highlights the complex political dynamics around regulating these emerging cannabis-related products.

The details

The compromise bill, which passed the Senate 35-4, would allow beverages with up to 5 milligrams of THC to be sold in convenience and grocery stores, though they must be stored behind the counter. Any hemp-derived products above 5 milligrams of THC, as well as infused gummies, can only be sold in liquor stores. Stand-alone hemp stores will be permitted to continue operating as long as they obtain a license similar to liquor stores. Restaurants will be banned from selling the cannabis-infused drinks.

  • The initial compromise bill was voted down earlier this week in the Senate.
  • The revised compromise bill passed the Senate on March 21, 2026.

The players

Shane Massey

South Carolina Senate majority leader who helped negotiate the compromise.

Michael Johnson

Massey's heir apparent, who also helped negotiate the compromise.

Richard Cash

Evangelical South Carolina senator who led the push for a total ban on cannabis consumables.

Ed Sutton

Democratic South Carolina senator who criticized the Republican leadership for trying to create a "nanny state" with the initial compromise.

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What they’re saying

“This debate is a good example of where I believe my party should go. We need to highlight that Republican leadership is trying to create a nanny state rather than allowing adults to make adults decisions.”

— Ed Sutton, South Carolina State Senator

“We spend a lot of time talking about supporting Veterans with PTSD, creating opportunities for small businesses and respecting individual liberty, but when the rubber meets the road, its the Democrats who held firm on those values in the Senate while the Republicans said we're comfortable taking rights away from adults.”

— Ed Sutton, South Carolina State Senator

What’s next

The revised compromise bill will now head back to the South Carolina House of Representatives for further consideration. Lawmakers will also be watching to see if the push for stricter abortion legislation, which was part of the negotiations, gains traction in the Senate in the coming days.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a pragmatic compromise that aims to balance the interests of the hemp industry, law enforcement, and social conservatives. While not everyone is fully satisfied, it demonstrates the ability of lawmakers to find middle ground on a complex and contentious issue.