In South Carolina, the journey toward cannabis legalization has reached a pivotal moment with significant public support and legislative efforts converging to potentially reshape the state’s stance on marijuana. Amidst this evolving landscape, the S.C. Compassionate Care Act (S. 150) has emerged as a cornerstone proposal, aiming to establish a well-regulated medical cannabis program that reflects broader trends of acceptance and legal reform seen across the United States.
Polling results underscore the growing acceptance of cannabis within the state. A recent survey conducted by Winthrop University in April 2023 revealed that a substantial 76% of South Carolinians support the legalization of medical marijuana (MMJ), with a notable majority of 56% also backing the legalization of marijuana for adult use. These figures indicate a significant shift in public opinion, aligning South Carolina with the national movement toward cannabis acceptance. However, a 2021 poll by the Cannabis Alliance for South Carolina presented a more cautious view, with 54% in favor of MMJ legalization and lower support for adult-use legalization, highlighting the nuanced perspectives among the state’s electorate.