Medical Marijuana for Veterans and Patients With Chronic Pain: Is Legalization Coming to South Carolina?

South Carolina remains one of the last holdouts in the United States without a comprehensive medical marijuana program. Despite overwhelming public support and repeated legislative attempts, patients, especially veterans and those living with chronic pain, are still waiting for legal access.

In 2025, renewed hope came in the form of Senate Bill 53, also known as the Compassionate Care Act. This bill would legalize highly regulated medical marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, and terminal illness. For thousands of South Carolinians, especially veterans who often turn to alternative treatments, this legislation could finally bring safe and legal options for relief.

Here’s everything you need to know about the state of medical marijuana in South Carolina, the implications of SB 53, and why getting a medical marijuana card will be essential if the bill becomes law.

South Carolina’s Current Status

South Carolina is one of the states with no legal medical marijuana access. While neighboring states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida have implemented varying forms of marijuana programs, South Carolina patients remain without regulated options.

Despite this, marijuana remains widely used in the state, just not legally or safely. Patients seeking relief from serious medical conditions must either break the law or settle for low-THC CBD products that may not offer sufficient relief.

What’s in the Compassionate Care Act?

The Compassionate Care Act aims to establish a strictly regulated medical marijuana program in South Carolina. Unlike recreational programs in other states, this bill would allow only specific forms of marijuana and only for patients with qualifying conditions.

Here’s what the bill proposes:

• Forms Allowed: Edibles, tinctures, topicals - like balms and body oils, and vaporization oils

• Qualifying Conditions: Chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, cancer, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, terminal illness, and more

• Medical Oversight: Only licensed physicians would be authorized to recommend marijuana - that’s where we come in!

• Tracking and Safety: Products must be tracked from seed to sale and tested for purity and potency

This bill is not about recreational use, it’s about providing relief through a professional medical system for those suffering from chronic medical conditions.

Why Veterans and Chronic Pain Patients Are at the Forefront

South Carolina is home to over 400,000 military veterans, many of whom suffer from PTSD, chronic pain, and service-related injuries. For these individuals, traditional treatment options, often opioids, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications, can be ineffective or come with serious side effects.

Medical marijuana has emerged as a promising alternative. Studies have shown its potential to reduce pain, improve sleep, and alleviate symptoms of PTSD, all without the addictive properties associated with opioids.

Cody Callarman, a South Carolina veteran and CEO of Carolina Dreaming, has become a vocal advocate for legalization. He notes that while CBD is already helping many, those with more severe needs require the option to access higher-potency marijuana under the guidance of a licensed professional.

“If there is a person who is in need of a higher potency, that is where a medical professional comes into play,” Callarman explained. “That is where a person who has an ailment can go to a licensed medical professional and seek official guidance.”

Why Legalization Keeps Stalling

Despite growing support, medical marijuana legalization in South Carolina has faced repeated roadblocks. Bills like SB 53 often pass in the Senate but stall in the House, sometimes without even being debated.

According to Kevin Caldwell, a representative with the Marijuana Policy Project, public opinion is not the issue. “There’s overwhelming support in polling for a very conservative program like this,” Caldwell said. “I believe the latest numbers were 74%, these are high, supermajority numbers.”

So what’s the holdup? In many cases, the delay comes from internal resistance within the House, where certain lawmakers remain wary of marijuana policy reform, even when it’s limited to medical use. Advocates argue that patients should not have to suffer because of political hesitation. With the legislative session ending on May 8, time is running out once again for lawmakers to take action.

What Happens If SB 53 Passes?

If the bill is passed and signed into law, it would still take some time before patients could access legal products. Here’s what the timeline could look like:

1. Creation of a regulatory commission to oversee licensing, product safety, and dispensary operations

2. Development of medical certification guidelines for physicians

3. Launch of licensed dispensaries, which could be limited in number initially

4. Issuance of medical marijuana cards to qualified patients

To be eligible, patients would need to:

• Have a diagnosis for a qualifying condition

• Get a medical certification from a licensed physician - that’s where we come in!

• Register with the state program

• Receive a medical marijuana card for legal access

Once you have a card, you can purchase regulated products from licensed dispensaries. Without it, use and possession will still be illegal.

Final Thoughts

South Carolina may still be behind on marijuana policy, but the conversation is changing fast. With veterans, patients, and medical professionals all voicing support, SB 53 could finally bring legal, compassionate care to those who need it most.

If you or a loved one is living with chronic pain, PTSD, or a serious medical condition, medical marijuana offers a path to safer, more effective treatment. And when legalization finally arrives in South Carolina, having a medical marijuana card will be the only way to access it legally and safely.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in South Carolina

Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors just as soon as the state’s medical marijuana market is up and running.

You’ll learn if you qualify for a South Carolina Marijuana Card and how to best treat your conditions with safe, effective medical marijuana. You’ll even save $25 off the cost of your evaluation!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust.

South Carolina Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-6670, or simply reserve an appointment to start getting relief you can trust today!

Check out South Carolina Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information!