South Carolina currently maintains strict laws regarding cannabis, with both recreational and medical marijuana remaining illegal for general use. The only exception is for qualifying patients with severe epilepsy who may access low-THC CBD oil, a provision established by Julian's Law in 2014.

Despite the current prohibitions, there is ongoing legislative activity aimed at introducing a comprehensive medical cannabis program in the state. Bills like the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act have seen significant debate and multiple attempts at passage in cities such as Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, signaling a potential shift in the future. These efforts indicate a growing interest in establishing a regulated market that could eventually include various license types, from cultivation and manufacturing to distribution and dispensaries.