South Carolina is just one of the most recent states to begin talks of allowing the use of medicinal cannabis. Recently a bipartisan group within the state representatives introduced legislation, which could lead to a medicinal cannabis program. Led by J. Todd Rutherford, SC House Minority Leader, the program would be a part of the Put Patients First Act. In addition, it would allow the seriously ill to legally possess and grow small amounts of cannabis.
A recent poll showed that the majority of SC voters support cannabis use for those who would benefit from its use. Moreover, these same voters feel that those who use medicinal cannabis should not be treated like criminals.
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In addition to Rutherford’s medicinal cannabis policy proposal, Mike Pitts, Republican State Representative, is also introducing a proposal of his own. H. 3117 would change South Carolina’s current marijuana policy and make the charge for possession a civil fine, which will make it comparable to a traffic violation.
This decision comes on the heels of Georgia deciding to reintroduce a similar bill last month.