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We’re closer than we’ve ever been to being able to get a South Carolina Marijuana Card.
On January 26 and 27, the state Senate debated legalizing medical marijuana. There have been debates within Senate committees before, but this is the first time such a bill has been debated by the entire Senate.
The debate represented a major victory for Senator Tom Davis, of Beaumont, who has been trying for seven years to get medical marijuana legislation passed. He told U.S. News and World Report that he crafted this bill to be among the most conservative medical marijuana laws in the country, in an effort to win support from his fellow Republicans.
What Does the Proposed Medical Marijuana Bill Allow?
Patients would not be permitted to smoke marijuana under the law, and would instead have to use vaporizers, oils, and topical methods of dosing. In addition, patients would have to meet with doctors in person to be checked for a history of substance abuse and to be given a written treatment plan.
The bill also limits the number of qualifying conditions for now, but would allow the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, an agency that would be created by the bill, to add conditions in the future.
Davis’ GOP Colleagues Vocal About Opposition
Despite Davis’ seven-year effort to bring relief to the suffering while appeasing his GOP colleagues, opposition to the bill remains high.
Dave Wilson, president of the religious organization Palmetto Family Council, told WLTX, Columbia’s CBS affiliate, “We’re setting up with this bill an industrial marijuana complex that is creating the infrastructure that, at the flip of a switch, can turn us into a recreational marijuana state, and we don’t want that.”
U.S. News and World Report also noted that “There is plenty of opposition from law enforcement, religious groups and fellow Republicans. Several senators questioned Davis' research and picked over portions of his bill during the first two days of his debate.”
Veterans Support Medical Marijuana in SC
The bill is not without its supporters. Gary Hess, the Executive Director of Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives, told WLTX that “The medical efficacy (of marijuana) cannot be denied, and what we’re asking for right now is leadership from our state leaders, both on the senate and the representative side, to please stand not only with the veteran community, but with those who are in need of a better option than what is being provided right now,” Hess said.
While the Senate adjourned last week without a vote, debate will continue this week, and the bill has been put on special order, which means that the Senate recognizes it as taking priority over all other bills. The Senate was scheduled to resume debate on the bill on Tuesday, February 1.
Medical Marijuana is Almost Here, so Why Not Start Getting Ready for It?
We’ve never been closer to having medical marijuana in the Palmetto state, so why not get ready for its arrival right now?
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!
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!