medical marijuana

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 17, 2024: we spend Valentine’s Day with former President Donald Trump; we continue to crisscross the state following Nikki Haley’s bus tour; we catch you up on the biggest moves happening in the statehouse dealing with medical marijuana, guns, and booze; and more!

After being approved by the Senate in 2022, the leadership in the House allowed the measure to die on a procedural ruling without any debate or official votes.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 10, 2024: a look at some of the biggest moves in the statehouse this week.

The South Carolina Senate started debate over Sen. Tom Davis' medical marijuana bill on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Senators ended the week without taking a vote.

March 28, 2023 — A look at what has happened with the SC Senate medical marijuana bill that was set to move again this year; the latest on major bills moving through the state House during the final weeks of the legislative session; an update on unemployment numbers; and more.

A seven year effort to pass a medical marijuana bill stopped abruptly in the House of Representatives this week where the bill died on a technicality.The bill that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe medical cannabis as treatment for certain diseases. It appeared to be on its way for passage by the House when the House leadership ruled it procedurally dead.Bills that create or raise taxes must originate in the House. The so-called Compassionate Care Act originated in the Senate where it easily passed, and it would provide for new state fees to pay for regulating the growing and distribution of medical cannabis. House leaders decided the bill would be a separate tax so they ruled it out of order.The House decision shocked leaders of the Senate. Senate bills for years have altered fees and taxes. This weeks’ action could cause repercussions for the final days of the session. Next year’s budget … proposed income tax reduction, and an election reform bill are hanging in the balance. Senate Majority leader Shane Massey said he was "flabbergasted" at the House’s action.

A seven-year fight to pass a medical marijuana bill may have ended in South Carolina when a House leader ruled the proposal would mean a tax increase and could not be considered. Wednesday's decision may have repercussions well beyond failing to make South Carolina one of about 40 states allowing medical marijuana. Senate leaders were stunned by the decision. The House upheld the ruling on a 59-55 vote even as opponents say it could prevent the Senate from writing any bill that deals with money, whether it's a special license plate or raising the fine for speeding.

A bill allowing limited use of medical marijuana in South Carolina is heading to the House floor. That is the furthest the proposal has made it during the eight years its passionate supporters have been pushing for it. A House committee voted 16-3 in favor of the bill Thursday. The bill's sponsor said if it passes, South Carolina's law would be one of the most conservative of the nearly 40 states that allow marijuana for medical use. Smoking the drug would be illegal. Instead patients would have to use oil, salves, patches or vaporizers. The illnesses that can be treated are specified, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, sickle cell anemia, autism and some post-traumatic stress disorder diagnoses.

A South Carolina House committee is holding a rare Monday meeting to listen to people's thoughts on a bill that would allow the use of medical marijuana in South Carolina. The full House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee is meeting at 10 a.m. to discuss the bill that passed the Senate in February after a seven-year fight by Sen. Tom Davis.

A House committee will hold a public hearing Monday on a bill to allow the use of medical marijuana in South Carolina. A small group of House members made a few changes in the lengthy bill passed in February by the full Senate on a 28-15 vote. One amendment cleaned up the grammar and a few typos in the bill which senators considered more than 60 changes over seven days of debate. A second change restores some podiatrists with extra training to the list of doctors who can prescribe medical marijuana. There was little discussion of the bill Thursday. Much of that is expected for the meeting Monday morning by the full House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee.