SC S0053

Establishes a medical cannabis program in South Carolina allowing patients with debilitating conditions (cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, autism, and others) to obtain cannabis products with a physician's written certification

Creates a licensing framework for cultivation centers (15 licenses), processing facilities (30 licenses), therapeutic cannabis pharmacies (max 3 per county), transporters (4 licenses), and independent testing laboratories (5 licenses), all regulated by the Department of Public Health

Requires cannabis products to be dispensed only by licensed pharmacists at therapeutic cannabis pharmacies, with mandatory child-resistant packaging and labeling; prohibits smoking and allows only non-combustible forms like oils, tinctures, edibles, and topicals

Establishes patient protections including employment discrimination safeguards for cardholders, custody rights, and organ transplant eligibility, while prohibiting use by those in public safety, commercial transportation, or heavy machinery jobs

Includes a 5-year sunset provision requiring legislative reauthorization, caps THC limits for 14-day supplies, and prohibits General Assembly members and immediate family from ownership in medical cannabis establishments until July 2029