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Committee advances ban and strict regulation of consumable hemp products
Summary
A House committee adopted H.4758—banning most consumable hemp products—and gave a favorable report to H.4759, which would tightly regulate hemp beverages (limits, licensing, taxes). Lawmakers debated child-safety, driving impairment and adult access before votes.
A South Carolina House committee on Thursday advanced two bills that would sharply limit the sale of consumable hemp products and create a narrow retail path for hemp beverages.
Representative Jordan, reporting from the constitutional law subcommittee, said H.4758 would make possession of intoxicating consumable hemp products a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine, and would treat possession with intent to distribute as a felony carrying up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Jordan also introduced an amendment—developed with Dean Cutler of the University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy—that clarifies that non‑intoxicating CBD products would not be banned and refines definitions to address interstate‑commerce concerns. "The amendment clarifies the CBD and similar non‑intoxicating hemp products are not banned," Jordan said; the committee adopted that amendment and passed H.4758 as amended by roll call, 16‑5‑4.
Lawmakers then considered H.4759, a regulatory alternative that would confine hemp beverages to liquor stores under the three‑tier liquor system, require accredited lab testing and consumer labeling, and cap THC at 5 milligrams of delta‑9 per 12‑ounce serving. The bill sets licensing fees mirroring liquor rules: manufacturer licenses at $50,000, wholesaler licenses at $25,000 and retailer licenses at $1,200 for two years, and applies penalties for sales to minors consistent with liquor statutes. Jordan said the 5‑mg threshold reflected testimony and models used in other states.
Opponents raised public‑safety concerns. Representative McCravey told the committee a single 5‑mg THC drink "is known to impair driving" and warned it could worsen the state’s DUI problem. Representative Rose and others said they were wary of a complete ban on consumables given consumer demand and comparisons to regulated alcohol sales.
The committee adopted Jordan’s amendment to H.4759 (which mirrors H.4758’s CBD exceptions and timing provisions) and reported the bill favorably, 18‑2‑5. Both measures will move to the House floor for further consideration.
Why it matters: The bills represent two approaches lawmakers are weighing to respond to a largely unregulated market—one that committee members described as a "Wild West"—with the stated goals of protecting minors and ensuring product safety while balancing adults’ access. Next steps include floor debate and potential amendments as the measures move through the General Assembly.
