The hot topic for today is South Carolina. A Senate committee recently approved S0150 to create a medical cannabis program in South Carolina, with a vote of 9-5. This sent the bill to the full Senate floor for a full vote. 

However, according to state rules, a Senator opposed to a bill can contest it in the full chamber, preventing it from being discussed and voted on. And that’s exactly what S0150 is going through thanks to Senator Greg Hembree (R).

S0150

This bill would create a sustainable medical cannabis program in the state of South Carolina. Currently, all forms of cannabis, whether recreational or medical, are illegal and criminalized within the state. Some Senators are looking to change that. In a recent poll, around 82 percent of South Carolinans are in favor of medical cannabis. But lawmakers seem to oppose the idea, even though citizens are showing positive change towards cannabis as a whole.

As it stands, S0150 is set for a full Senate vote. But with the contest by Senator Hembree, the status of discussion is unknown. According to the state’s congressional calendar, S0150 is set for discussion. But if Hembree allows for it to be brought forth is doubtful.

Lawmaker Response

S0150’s sponsor, Senator Tom Davis (R) has made it clear that the Compassionate Care Act isn’t a slippery slope to recreational legalization. Recently, he spoke out against Senator Hembree’s attempt to table the bill. 

“We’re going to get this bill passed. And if there are some up on the Senate floor that are still in this reefer madness, drug war mentality and block and stand in the way of this bill, I will exercise my rights as a senator to respond in kind to every single other bill on this calendar.” He continued by saying, “We need to get this bill passed. I understand what South Carolinians want. They want to empower doctors, they want to help patients, they do not want recreational use.”

So, if Senator Hembree doesn’t allow S0150 to be discussed as a full chamber, then Senator Davis will use that same right to block literally every other bill in the Senate. He would kill any further legislature from being discussed until his bill is heard. A ⅗ majority of Senators are needed to overturn one Senator’s contest of a bill, but with the Senate divided on legalization efforts, a majority is not expected. 

Senator Davis doesn’t even request that his bill be passed for him to not contest every other bill the Senate is currently debating. He just wants S0150 to have a fair discussion and vote. If it gets defeated, then he will come back again next session with a revised version of this bill to help get South Carolina citizens what they want.

Future

There is currently a standstill in the Senate. No moves have been made to introduce S0150, but no efforts have been made against all other bills. Time will tell if cannabis will be discussed this session or if debates will halt.

As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest. Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.