The South Carolina Senate last week voted to approve new restrictions on consumable hemp products, WYFF reports.
The proposal, H.3924, originated in the House, but state senators have added several amendments this session and ultimately passed the bill 35-4 on its third reading.
Currently, the proposed framework closely resembles the state’s alcohol regulations, allowing the sale of 12-ounce beverages containing between 1 and 5 milligrams of THC at grocery and convenience stores. Liquor stores would be allowed to sell larger and more potent beverages, as well as hemp-infused gummy products. Selling hemp to individuals under age 21 would be prohibited.
Lawmakers also amended the bill to allow on-site THC consumption with the “most conservative on-site law in the nation,” according to proponents. The rules include a two-drink cap on THC-infused beverages within 24 hours, the report said, and customers will not be allowed to order both alcohol and hemp beverages at the same function.
If the rules are passed, retailers will be allowed to continue selling their current stock of hemp products until November 12, 2026, which is when new federal legislation to ban hemp THC products is set to take effect.
Lawmakers also added a provision to ban intoxicating hemp product sales on Sunday, mirroring the state’s alcohol rules.
The amended bill now returns to the House for consideration.
