A bill to legalize medical marijuana in South Carolina has failed to advance this session, but Senator Tom Davis (R) says he’s confident 2026 will be the year it finally passes.
The Compassionate Care Act, sponsored by Senator Tom Davis (R), would have allowed patients with certain medical conditions to access marijuana via licensed dispensaries if recommended by a doctor. Although the legislation has passed the Senate twice, it continues to stall in the House, where Speaker Murrell Smith has said there’s not enough support.
Davis, who has led the charge on medical marijuana reform for over a decade, says he’s more determined than ever to get it done.
“It is a conservative bill. It is strictly limited to medical conditions, and really this is all about helping patients,” said Davis, adding that he believes 2026 will be the year it finally becomes law.
Clark also pushed back against claims that more research is needed. “Medical marijuana has been used for years and years. At what point do we stop saying we need more studies?” he asked, noting that polling routinely shows 70% to 80% of voters support the policy.
Governor Henry McMaster said last week that he understands the arguments on both sides but remains cautious. “Law enforcement still has grave concerns,” said McMaster. “I think what we need to do is study it very carefully and try to do the right thing.”
Davis said he plans to speak directly with Speaker Smith and believes the House now has the votes to pass the measure.
Medical marijuana remains illegal in South Carolina, one of just 11 states where that’s the case.
