South Carolina senators agree on hemp product regulation bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — South Carolina senators agreed on a hemp product regulation bill after an 11-hour debate at the statehouse and weeks of discussions.

Senators worked to balance keeping hemp products away from those under 21 while ensuring majority support for the regulatory proposal.

Under the deal, low-potency canned beverages will be sold at retail stores licensed to sell beer and wine behind the counter. Higher-potency canned drinks and 750-milliliter bottles could be purchased at liquor stores.

The deal also includes gummies. Under the proposal, packs of four gummies that can be 10 milligrams each will be available behind the counter at liquor stores.

“That’s the number one thing we want to regulate this product make sure those who shouldn’t be around it aren’t and so that was the entire intent of today,” Sen. Michael Johnson, R-York, said.

“We are going to again force alcoholics into liquor stores to get gummies I think that is a very bad mistake,” Sen. Ed Sutton, D-Charleston, said.

The measure must pass on a third reading Tuesday before it goes to the House. The House of Representatives had struggles passing hemp regulations earlier this year.

Copyright 2026 WCSC. All rights reserved.