SC H3018

Legalizes possession of 28 grams (one ounce) or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hashish for veterans with honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions

Applies only to veterans diagnosed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from combat duty in a presidential-designated combat zone

Current law makes possession of these amounts a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment and $100-$200 fine for first offense, up to one year and $200-$1,000 for subsequent offenses

Legislative findings cite that approximately 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD, veteran suicide rates are 50% higher than the national average (about 22 per day), and traditional PTSD medications like Zoloft and Paxil are ineffective for many patients

Takes effect upon Governor's approval