Beyond the Buzzwords: The Case for HB3935 & SB137 to Safeguard South Carolina's Hemp Industry

South Carolina’s hemp industry is primed for growth, innovation, and new jobs. Yet outdated or unclear regulations cast a shadow over farmers, business owners, and consumers alike. While “hemp” and “regulation” have become buzzwords in the halls of government and trade shows, the real conversation should focus on the practical legislation that will move the Palmetto State forward. That’s exactly what HB3935 and SB137 promise to do.

This post untangles what’s at stake for South Carolina’s hemp industry. We’ll examine what’s inside HB3935 and SB137, how they offer sensible regulatory solutions, and why passing them is essential to protect local farms, businesses, and consumers’ trust in legal hemp products.

South Carolina Hemp at a Crossroads

The Farm Bill of 2018 made cultivating hemp legal across the U.S., sparking a new agricultural rush. South Carolina was quick to capitalize, launching a state hemp program that now supports hundreds of farmers and processors. But as anything with momentum grows, so do challenges:

• Vague regulations leave room for legal interpretation and enforcement headaches.

• Unclear product standards make it hard for responsible operators to compete with bad actors.

• Consumer safety is at risk when there’s no guarantee of what’s in the marketplace.

Without smart updates, the industry risks being stunted by confusion, litigation, and even criminalization of otherwise lawful products.

Introducing HB3935 and SB137

Recognizing these pressing issues, South Carolina lawmakers have introduced two companion bills aiming for clarity and common sense:

• House Bill 3935 (HB3935)

• Senate Bill 137 (SB137)

Both offer a modern framework for the hemp industry, focusing on four pillars:

• Rigorous lab testing and product standards

• Comprehensive licensing and oversight

• Transparent labeling requirements

• Protections for both businesses and consumers

Key Provisions at a Glance

1. Robust Testing Standards

Both bills require all hemp-derived products to undergo independent, state-approved laboratory testing. Standards include:

• Confirmed THC content at or below the legal 0.3% threshold.

• Screening for pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.

• Verification that no unapproved contaminants are present.

These protections help ensure that what’s sold to consumers is safe and compliant, narrowing the window for mislabeling or unsafe goods.

2. Transparent Labeling

If signed into law, HB3935 and SB137 will enforce clear, accurate carrier labeling. Every hemp bottle, tincture, edible, or topical will need to display:

• Potency results (CBD/THC and other cannabinoids)

• Full ingredient lists

• Batch or lot numbers tied to verifiable testing documentation

• Warnings about potential psychoactive effects, where relevant

This raises the bar for transparency and arms consumers with reliable product information.

3. Comprehensive Licensing and Oversight

A recurring issue in the cannabis space is “ghost businesses” operating without proper documentation. These bills streamline licensing across growers, processors, manufacturers, and retailers, requiring:

• Background checks for applicants

• Site inspections

• Mandatory participation in state-run compliance programs

Clear guidelines help legitimate businesses thrive and provide clear pathways for market newcomers.

4. Enforcement with Teeth

Both bills outline specific penalties for noncompliance, ensuring that bad actors do not undermine the market. Penalties range from fines to license revocation, pushing out unscrupulous operators without stifling responsible innovation.

How HB3935 and SB137 Move the Industry Forward

Safeguarding Farmers & Small Businesses

South Carolina’s hemp farmers and small business owners need certainty, not ambiguity. Right now, fluctuations in federal and state interpretations (and sometimes, law enforcement) leave livelihoods exposed. By codifying clear rules for compliance, HB3935 and SB137 offer these stakeholders:

• Protection against arbitrary enforcement or raid

• Increased confidence when negotiating with processors and retailers

• The ability to invest and innovate without regulatory whiplash

Leveling the Playing Field

When standards are uneven, responsible operators lose out to those willing to cut corners. By mandating rigorous testing and traceable labeling, the bills reward investment in quality, creating a market where best practices win.

Consumer Safety and Trust

Clear labeling, batch-level transparency, and regular product testing mean consumers can trust what they buy. This is increasingly vital as more South Carolinians turn to hemp-derived products for wellness, recreation, or therapeutic purposes.

Modernizing Law Enforcement

For legal professionals and law enforcement, the current patchwork of hemp and marijuana cases creates confusion and cost. HB3935 and SB137 simplify enforcement:

• Distinct legal definitions for hemp-derived products

• Documented processes for routine inspections

• Standard protocols for investigating noncompliance

By removing regulatory gray areas, South Carolina can reduce court backlogs and focus law enforcement resources where they matter.

Attracting Investment and Innovation

Stable, predictable regulation attracts both homegrown startups and larger national brands. A robust, compliant hemp market in South Carolina means more jobs, more retail options, and a safe way to experiment with innovative, legal products.

Learnings from Other States

States like Colorado, Kentucky, and Oregon have reaped the benefits of clear, enforceable hemp statutes. Common themes in their success:

• Boosts in GMP-certified manufacturing

• Safer consumer outcomes

• Growth in tax revenue from legitimate businesses

By passing HB3935 and SB137, South Carolina can catch up with these leaders, without making the costly mistakes seen in reactionary or inadequately regulated markets.

Advocacy and Action Steps

For industry advocates, business owners, or citizens concerned about the future of hemp in South Carolina, engagement makes all the difference:

• Contact your legislators: Explain how these bills create a safer, stronger industry and protect farmers and consumers.

• Educate your network: Share fact sheets, host informational events, and use social media to build momentum.

• Support responsible businesses: Buy from licensed hemp brands already committed to quality and transparency.

Rulemaking That Reflects South Carolina’s Values

South Carolina stands at a pivotal moment. With over 500 hemp farms and the potential for thousands of jobs across retail and manufacturing, the stakes are too high for half-measures. HB3935 and SB137 don’t represent special interests; they express a commitment to safe, smart, and fair industry growth.

Grassroots advocacy has already propelled South Carolina’s hemp experiment from trial runs to vibrant commerce. These bills are the next logical step—to protect what works, fix what doesn’t, and build an industry South Carolinians can pride themselves on for generations to come.