Cannabis law in South Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Possession of any amount of marijuana is a criminal offence in South Carolina; one ounce (28 g) or less is a misdemeanour punishable by up to 30 days or a fine of $100 to $200 for a first offence. Growing and supply are also offences. The only medical use is cannabidiol for severe epilepsy under a physician's certification.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Criminal offence [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | No quantity is lawful. Possession of 28 grams (one ounce) or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hashish is a misdemeanour: up to 30 days' imprisonment or a fine of $100 to $200 for a first offence, and up to one year or a fine of $200 to $1,000, or both, for a second or later offence. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Restricted programme only [1] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | It is unlawful to drive while under the influence of any drug that impairs the driver to the extent that the faculties to drive are materially and appreciably impaired. A first offence carries a fine of $400 or 48 hours to 30 days in prison. [2] |
Notes
- A first offence may be handled by conditional discharge or pretrial intervention. More than 28 grams creates a presumption of intent to distribute, with higher penalties.
- Cannabidiol (0.9% THC or less, more than 15% cannabidiol) is excluded from the definition of marijuana for people with a physician's written certification of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome or another severe epilepsy not adequately treated by traditional therapies. There is no wider medical cannabis programme.
Sources
- South Carolina Legislature: Code of Laws of South Carolina, Title 44, Chapter 53 (Narcotics and Controlled Substances) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- South Carolina Legislature: South Carolina Code of Laws Title 56 Chapter 5 (Section 56-5-2930 Operating motor vehicle while under influence of alcohol or drugs) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
South Carolina and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | Prohibited | Supply is an offence | — | CBD for severe epilepsy only | — |
| Georgia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | No adult sales; medical dispensaries only | — | Low-THC oil only, up to 12,000 mg THC | — |
| North Carolina | Illegal; criminal misdemeanour | Prohibited (felony) | No regulated market | ⚠ Not yet verified | No medical programme | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in South Carolina
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (conditional licence, daylight only) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (beginner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no small bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general rule; limits at schools · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.