South Carolina's Push for Comprehensive Hemp Regulations: What You Need to Know

The South Carolina Hemp Association for Advocacy (SCHAA) is actively collaborating with Senator Tedder, Representative Gatch, and other key legislators in both the South Carolina Senate and House to establish robust regulations for hemp-derived products. Their primary goal is to safeguard consumers, protect legitimate business operators, provide industry stability, and eliminate bad actors from the state’s hemp market.

Key Highlights of the SC Hemp Regulatory Bill

The proposed regulatory framework aims to create clarity and consumer protection within the industry. The bill includes the following crucial provisions:

Clear Definitions: Properly defining hemp-derived products in alignment with the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.
Age Restrictions: Restricting sales of hemp-derived products to individuals aged 21 and older.
Licensing Requirements: Implementing mandatory licensing for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Serving Size Limits: Establishing limits for hemp-derived edibles, beverages, and vape cartridges to ensure responsible consumption.
School Safety Measures: Prohibiting hemp-derived products from school grounds and school-related events.

Current Status of Hemp Regulation Bills in SC

Several bills have been introduced in the South Carolina legislature to regulate hemp-derived products. However, SCHAA does not support all of them. Below is a breakdown of the key bills and SCHAA’s stance on each:

Bills Supported by SCHAA:

H3935 – Sponsored by Rep. Gatch, currently awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
S137 – Sponsored by Senator Tedder, currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
H3601 – Sponsored by Rep. Henderson-Myers, currently awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Bill SCHAA Opposes (in Its Current Form):

H3924 – Filed by Rep. Wooten, SCHAA opposes this bill but is open to working with legislators to amend it to properly regulate manufacturing, distribution, and sales of hemp-derived products.

Upcoming Legislative Developments

A subcommittee hearing to discuss H3924 was held on February 12th, featuring testimony from industry representatives and a representative from SLED. However, the meeting concluded before all industry members had an opportunity to speak.

A second subcommittee hearing on H3924 is scheduled for February 26th, where amendments to the bill are expected to be introduced. SCHAA remains committed to advocating for regulations that ensure a fair and responsible hemp industry in South Carolina.

How You Can Support SCHAA’s Efforts

The SCHAA is dedicated to shaping fair and effective hemp regulations in South Carolina. If you want to support their advocacy efforts and stay informed about legislative updates, consider joining SCHAA and lending your voice to the cause.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the SCHAA website or reach out to your local representatives to express your support for responsible hemp regulations.

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