South Carolina House Committee Advances Hemp THC Restrictions

South Carolina lawmakers advanced two competing hemp regulation bills Wednesday, setting up a House floor debate over how strictly to control intoxicating hemp products in a state where marijuana remains illegal.

The House Judiciary Committee approved both measures after hours of testimony. House Judiciary Chairman Weston Newton defended the more permissive approach, arguing the state should protect minors without "trampling all over the freedoms" of adults who currently rely on legal hemp-derived THC products.

The competing bills reflect a national tension playing out in conservative states: how to regulate the booming intoxicating hemp market created by the 2018 Farm Bill without appearing to condone marijuana use. South Carolina's hemp-derived THC products have proliferated in gas stations, smoke shops, and specialty retailers over the past two years, creating a legal gray area that lawmakers now seek to clarify.

The Two Approaches

The first bill would essentially ban most intoxicating hemp products by imposing strict THC limits and product restrictions. Under this approach, hemp-derived delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and similar compounds would be largely eliminated from the retail market.

The alternative measure takes a more measured approach, allowing THC-infused beverages while maintaining age restrictions and testing requirements. This bill represents a compromise between outright prohibition and the current largely unregulated market.

Both bills include provisions requiring child-resistant packaging, third-party lab testing, and age verification at point of sale. The key difference lies in which products would remain legal for adult consumers.

Industry and Law Enforcement Weigh In

Hemp retailers testified that an outright ban would devastate hundreds of small businesses across South Carolina that have invested in the legal hemp market. Several store owners presented data showing their customer base consists primarily of adults seeking alternatives to prescription medications or alcohol.

Law enforcement representatives expressed concern about product potency and the difficulty distinguishing legal hemp products from illegal marijuana. Sheriff's departments have reported confusion during traffic stops when drivers possess what appears to be marijuana but claim it's legal hemp.

Public health officials noted the lack of research on long-term effects of hemp-derived intoxicants, particularly newer compounds like delta-8 and delta-10 THC that don't occur naturally in significant quantities.

What Happens Next

Both bills now head to the full House for consideration, likely within the next two weeks. House leadership hasn't indicated which version they'll prioritize, though Newton's support for the beverage-friendly bill gives it institutional backing.

The Senate has yet to take up companion legislation, and any final bill would require Governor Henry McMaster's signature. McMaster hasn't publicly stated his position on hemp regulation, though he's historically opposed marijuana legalization efforts.

The legislative session ends June 30, giving lawmakers roughly three months to reconcile the competing approaches. If no bill passes, South Carolina's hemp market would continue operating in its current largely unregulated state.

Industry observers note that several Southern states—including Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina—have grappled with similar hemp regulation debates this year. The outcomes in these neighboring states could influence South Carolina's final approach.

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This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.